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Biden wants to meet with Tinubu – American Envoy

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President Bola Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has tasked the US to collaborate with African countries in defending its democracies against anti-democratic forces within and outside the continent in order to improve on its peoples living standard.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement, disclosed that the president said this when he received the US Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Molly Phee, in Abuja on Saturday. Ms Phee, as part of her message, told the Nigerian leader that US President Joe Biden wants to meet with Mr Tinubu.

“President Joe Biden is asking to meet with you on the sidelines of UNGA, and you are the only African leader he has requested to meet,” she was quoted as telling the Nigerian president.

Mr Tinubu said that the American-backed development finance and multilateral institutions required comprehensive reforms to meet the developmental requirements of younger democracies in Africa, which operate in authoritarian-crowded environments.

He said that this must be done with vigour as the institutions designed policies to support war-torn Europe after World War II, adding that this would meet the legitimate yearnings of Africans of using local solutions for its challenges.

“Yes, the private sector will lead the way within an enabling environment we create for them, but the US Government must be innovative in its thinking and systematically create incentives for US industrial investment in Nigeria.

‘’Under my leadership, Nigeria stands ready to address their specific regulatory, tax and environmental concerns. I am determined to create prosperity for all Nigerian families,” the president said.

Mr Tinubu said that the crisis in Niger Republic would not deter him from concluding his economic reform programme for the benefit of Nigerians, adding that he would only advance the interest of Nigeria in his approach toward ECOWAS’ handling of the regional standoff.

“We are deep in our attempts to peacefully settle the issue in Niger by leveraging on our diplomatic tools. I continue to hold ECOWAS back, despite its readiness for all options, in order to exhaust all other remedial mechanisms.

‘’War is not ideal for my economic reforms, nor for the region, but the defence of democracy is sacrosanct. The ECOWAS consensus is that we will not allow anyone to insincerely buy time,” Mr Tinubu, who is the ECOWAS chairman, said.

Pledging its support for the position of ECOWAS, the US Special Presidential Envoy expressed the high regard the US Administration has for the leadership of Mr Tinubu as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

She extended an exclusive invitation from US President Joe Biden, to meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City to advance discussions further in late September.

Source: Source: premiumtimesng.com

Port Harcourt refinery to begin operation in December – Minister

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Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva

The Nigerian government on Friday said the Port Harcourt refinery will become functional by December.

A statement signed by Garba Deen Muhammad, the chief corporate communications officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), made this known on Friday.

The statement said the 60,000 barrels per day Port Harcourt Refinery was shut in March 2019 for the first phase of repair works after the government secured the service of Italy’s Maire Tecnimont to handle the scoping of the refinery complex, with oil major Eni appointed as a technical adviser.

In 2021, the NNPCL said repairs had started after the federal executive council approved $1.5 billion for the project.

Last September, the then Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, said the country’s biggest crude refinery in Port Harcourt would restart operation in December after it would have completed a revamp that began over a year ago. But PREMIUM TIMES analysis in October last year showed that the timelines were unmet.

Again, in January 2023, Mr Sylva assured that part of the refinery would be completed by the year’s first quarter, but the government has again failed to meet its target.

On Friday, Mr Muhammad said the federal government has reiterated its commitment to ending petroleum product importation soon, as efforts are being redoubled to restore the nation’s local refining capacity.

According to the statement, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, said this during an inspection tour of the rehabilitation work progress at the refining company plant in Port Harcourt on Friday.

It explained that the minister, who was in the company of the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Gabriel Aduda and the Group CEO, NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari, said considering the level of progress recorded in the PHRC rehabilitation project, the plant will come back on stream by December this year.

Source: premiumtimesng.com

Otumfuo to raise $10m for ‘Heal Komfo Anokye Project’

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SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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Asantehene (seated) flanked by members of the Project team including Prof. Addai- Mensah(4th right) and Mr. Adu-Boakye (4th left)

The proposed “Heal Komfo Anokye Project” will get a major boost as the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has declared his intention to raise US$10 million towards the comprehensive renovation of the 70-year-old In-Patient Wards at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi.

The Asantehene announced this when the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KATH, Prof. Otchere Addai- Mensah, led the executives and members of the “Heal Komfo Anokye Project” team to present the technical and financial proposal for the renovation of the dilapidated blocks at the health facility to the Ashanti King at Manhyia Palace on Thursday.

The artistic view of the wards after the proposed renovation

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said the aging blocks, which house the main wards at the hospital, had not seen any renovation since1955, adversely affecting the quality of in-patient care, hence his decision to lead the drive for their refurbishment.

The team is a volunteer group, made up of an architect, a real estate developer, marketing, and brands communication specialists among other experts, who were commissioned by the KATH CEO to develop the master plan for the project.

The renovation of the blocks, popularly referred as “Blocks A, B, C and D”, is expected to be executed as part of the legacy projects marking the 25th Anniversary celebration of the enstoolment of the Asantehene next year.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II described KATH as a strategic institution, which occupies a unique position in the health care delivery system in the country, as well as the social, cultural and historical heritage of the Asante Kingdom.

“For a hospital that has been the sole provider of tertiary health care in this region and beyond for decades, and having been named after the founding Chief Priest of Asanteman, it will be unacceptable to allow it to fall into a state of disrepair, hence my readiness to lead the crusade for its restoration,” the King explained.

Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II mentioned plans to formally launch the fundraising campaign to ensure the mobilisation of the needed resources to renovate and modernise the old blocks, so that they could better serve patients from the region and the 11 others that the hospital receives referrals from.

He commended the CEO and members of the “Heal Komfo Anokye Project” team for their commitment to the project, and urged the public and corporate institutions to support the fundraising campaign when it is launched to ensure the successful execution of the project.

The Asantehene has, accordingly, appointed Nana Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, Hiahene and founder of Foundation of Orthopaedics and Complex Spine (FOCOS), who also doubles as the Board Chairman of the Otumfuo Charity Foundation, as his representative on the project team.

Prof. Addai-Mensah, who was shocked on assumption of office by the extent of deterioration of the blocks over the 70 years from intensive use, expressed delight at Otumfuo’s readiness to support plans to give the hospital the desired facelift, stressing that the Board, management, staff and patients of the hospital owed the Asantehene a great debt of gratitude for his timely intervention.

The current state of the wards

Mr. Samuel Adu-Boakye, Chairman of the “Heal Komfo Anokye Project” team, was grateful to the Asantehene for his commitment to the execution of the project. He added that the team had developed a comprehensive marketing and communication strategy to facilitate the raising of the needed funds from well-meaning members of the public and corporate Ghana.

“If we can get just one million Ghanaians to donate $10 each, $10 million can be raised in no time to ensure the timely execution of this project for the benefit of the entire people of Ghana,” he noted.

Architect Kojo Darko-Asante, lead architect for the team, said the proposal for the project was meticulously put together by a team of technical and engineering experts after a painstaking assessment of the wards.

He said the project would transform wards at the hospital into a world-class patient-friendly facility when successfully executed.

GJA launches 27th Awards; new categories added

By
STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG
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GJA president, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour launching the awards

The President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has launched the 27th GJA Awards slated for Saturday, October 28, 2023 in Accra.

Mr. Dwumfour, in his address at the launch in Accra, last week, explained the essence of the awards, which is to promote professional excellence and high journalistic standards.
He said the GJA Media Awards is organised annually to achieve one of the key objectives of the Association, under Article 3(j) of the GJA Constitution 2004, which mandates the National Executives to “Reward and Honor outstanding members periodically.”

The theme for this year’s awards:‘Leveraging media freedom to sustain the democratic and security architecture: The litmus test of 2024 elections’, according to the President, was chosen to prepare journalists for the impending elections in December 2024.

“We want journalists to be well-prepared for their upcoming duties and to provide extensive, thorough and impartial election coverage in order to mark yet another milestone in our democratic dispensation,” he added.

The current administration of the Association, the President said, is very much committed to the promotion of professional excellence and high journalistic standards, saying “it is in this light that the GJA is delighted about the exploits of Paa Kwesi Asare of Media General, in winning this year’s BBC Komla Dumor Award.

“In the eight years history of the prestigious award, in honor of the renowned Ghanaian broadcast journalist, this is the first time a Ghanaian journalist has emerged as the winner,” he said.

“On behalf of the leadership of the GJA, I wish to congratulate Paa Kwesi on this memorable achievement,” he said.

“Whilst urging him to climb higher, we believe his remarkable achievement will encourage others to also raise the bar of excellence and win similar awards. “ he added.
Among the 34 categories of this year’s awards, some, according to the president, have been redefined to make them more purposeful.

Some of the newly introduced categories is the Best Radio/TV Programme for Ghanaian Languages, which has merged all the previous categories for Best Radio/TV Programme in six local languages as one category.

“So whether it is Ga, Ewe, Nzema, Twi, Hausa, Dagbani or Krobo, they will all compete for one category.” Mr. Dwumfour explained.
He further explained that the Best Student Journalist of the Year category has been reintroduced this year.

“We want to encourage trainee journalists to have a strong appetite for professional excellence and high journalistic standards, even before they join the world of work and the decision also falls within our membership drive agenda, which is to encourage trainee journalists and practitioners to join the GJA,” he stressed.

“Another innovation in this year’s awards is the online entry system, which provides an online platform for the submission of entries,” he said.
He added that application to receive entries opened on August 24, 2023 and closes on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 without any further extension.

Mr. Dwumfour, therefore, encouraged members to file their entries early to avoid disappointment, advising members to secure strong internet connection for easy and fast submission of entries.
He called on all corporate organisations to also come on board with sponsorship to ensure the success of the awards.

“We appreciate your support over the years and we trust you will continue to partner with us to raise the bar of excellence in journalism,” he said.

The Executive Director of EOCO, COP Maame Tiwaa Addo Dankwa, in her remarks, revealed EOCO’s assurance to sponsor the Crime/Court Reporting category of this year’s awards.

She said the decision came as a result of EOCO’s passion against crimes, especially cyber related crimes, where people sit in the comfort of their homes and commit crimes.

“Fighting crime is everybody’s responsibility, where we have to take our personal security into our own hands because we cannot leave everything in the hands of the law enforcers”
The Executive Director added that the crime stories will be used as a public education against cyber crimes and advised the general public to be mindful of their online dealings.
She, however, called on all media practitioners to not hesitate to contact EOCO on any

crime investigations that they are taking to seek the needed clarifications.
Attached is the full awards category.

GHANA JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEDIA AWARDS 2023
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS & RULES
The competition is open to members in good standing who are working in the print (including news agency), electronic and online media in Ghana.
The competition is open for works published in 2022.
Members of the National Executive and the GJA Media Awards Committee are not eligible to contest.
Entries should cover works published from January l, 2022 to December 31, 2022. Entrants may submit entries for a maximum of two categories, and not more than two published works should be submitted for each category.

However, one work shall not be entered in more than one category.
Entrants should submit clear, original published work of each entry.
Entrants must upload a clear passport size photo for their entries.

Student journalists must upload a scanned copy of their Student ID Card for their entries.
Entrants are advised to secure strong Internet connection to ensure easy and fast uploading of entries.

The deadline for submission of entries is at September 8, 2023.
Entries/Nominations should be titled ‘GJA MEDIA AWARDS 2023′
The GJA is NOT bound to give an award in a category if it does not merit one.

The Awards Committee shall select the overall best story from the various categories for consideration by the National Executive as winner of the P. A. V. Ansah Journalist of the Year.

The Awards Committee shall select the best story by a female journalist from the various categories for consideration by the National Executive as winner of the Best Female Journalist of the Year.

The Awards Committee shall select the best story by a young journalist from the various categories for consideration by the National Executive as winner of the Komla Dumor Most Promising Journalist of the Year.

The Awards Committee shall select the best story by a student journalist from the various categories for consideration by the National Executive as winner of the Best Journalist of the Year.

BIO DATA
NAME
DATE OF BIRTH
MEDIA ORGANISATION
POSTAL ADDRESS
EMAIL ADDRESS
REGION OF WORK
TYPE OF MEDIA (State-owned / Private-owned)
NATURE OF MEDIA (Print / Television / Radio / Online)
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF STORY (January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022)
DATE OF ENTRY FOR AWARDS
AWARDS CATEGORIES
DIVISION ONE (SEPARATE AWARDS)
i. NEWS (Print, Television, Radio, Online)
ii. FEATURES (Print, Television, Radio, Online)
iii. DOCUMENTARIES (Television, Radio)
COLUMNIST (Print)
DIVISION TWO (BEATS) (One award for each category)
i. SPORTS
ii. EDUCATION
iii. INVESTIGAT
PHOTOJOURJALISM
v. ARTS / ENTERTAINMENT vi. BUSINESS / ECONOMIC
vii. ENVIRONMENT / SCIENCE viii. HEALTH
AGRICULTURE / FOOD SECURITY
x. DEMOCRACY & GOOD GOVERNANCE GENDER
xii. CRIME / COURT
DIVISION THREE (SPECIAL CAMPAIGN) (One award for each category)
i. SABILITY
ii. 0MEgr1c
iii. TOURISM
iv. ROAD SAFETY
v. ILLEGAL MINING
DIVISION FOUR (PROGRAMMES& LAYOUT) (One award for each category)
i. BEST RADIO/TV PROGRAMME (GHANAIAN LANGUAGES) ii. BEST RADIO/TV PROGRAMME (ENGLISH LANGUAGE) iii. BEST NEWSPAPER LAYOUT (PRINT)
DIVISION FIVE (PROMISING JOURNALIST)
i. BEST STUDENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR (Open to students of accredited journalism / communication training institutions whose works were published in 2022. Such entrants must upload a scanned copy of a valid student’s identity card to support their entry) ii. CJA/KOMLA DUMOR MOST PROMISING JOURNALIST OF THEYEAR(Open to journalists of the Association with not more than three years’ experience)
ii. BEST FEMALE JOURNALIST (Open to female journalists of the Association with not more than ten years’ experience)
DIVISION SIX (JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR)
i. GJA/P.A.V. ANSAH JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Kofi eboah
(General Secretary)

Antonio Rüdiger endorses Ghanaian rapper AraTheJay’s lyrics

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Ghanaian rapper AraTheJay
Antonio Rüdiger

Real Madrid player Antonio Rüdiger has given a nod of approval to lines from a song by Ghanaian musician and talented rapper AraTheJay.

The rapper’s track “Vous Allez” has caught the attention of the German footballer, who shared his endorsement on social media.

In the song, AraTheJay cleverly raps, “I be moving with caution mey3no like Rüdiger, Rüdiger on the low,” drawing parallels between cautious movement and Rüdiger’s tactical prowess on the field.

This endorsement gains significance as Rüdiger is known for his calculated playing style and defensive skills.

Notably, Rüdiger also aligns with Nimo Constantine’s description of him as a “Mighty Finisher,” a sentiment expressed in the track’s lyrics.

The endorsement showcases Rüdiger’s appreciation for the fusion of sports and music.

A short video clip of “Vous Allez” was shared on Rüdiger’s Instagram story, creating excitement among fans of both the footballer and the rapper.

Ara the Jay, along with collaborators M.I.K and Ghanaian Stallion, has successfully combined their musical talents to create a track that resonates with a diverse audience.

Music enthusiasts and sports fans alike can stream “Vous Allez” on various platforms, and experience the unique synergy of AraTheJay’s artistry.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

Steve Harvey apologises for ‘negative’ tweet about comedians

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Steve Harvey

Steve Harvey took to social media to issue an apology to his fans after an employee posted a tweet from the actor’s official Twitter page that asked users to name a comedian they “don’t find funny at all.”

“Somebody that works for me on my Twitter put a statement out that was totally negative,” he began in a minute-long video message posted to Twitter Friday.

“I gotta take responsibility for it ’cause they work for me, but the engagement was talking about, ‘name a comedian you don’t think is funny.’”

He rhetorically asked, “Why would I do something like that? That don’t even make no damn sense.”

The “Family Feud” host, 66, added that he would never tweet anything like that because his “whole brand is to be motivational.”

“You don’t know where these young people at in they career, man,” he added.

“They could be coming up or anything. I’m all about positivity. I would’ve never done nothing like that.”

Harvey, who said he stopped his fishing trip to share this PSA, said the Aug. 19 tweet — which has been deleted after being viewed more than one million times — “pissed” him off.

“I’m so pissed off right now, man,” the “Steve” alum continued.

“Talking about, ‘I was trying to get some engagement.’ Okay … you trying to get some employment, too. My bad, y’all. Now I gotta come on here and doing a damn selfie.

“So here it is: I’m sorry. My bad, y’all. Won’t happen again, though.”

Page Six has reached out to Harvey’s reps to see if he actually terminated the employee but did not immediately hear back.

Credit: pagesix.com

Ama Official Has Been Arrested And This Is Why

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Kay Verli and Ama Official

It has been alleged that TikTok star, Ama Official has been arrested. According to multiple reports by Instagram blogger, @Mari Gyata, Ama was lured by her fellow TikToker, Asantewaa on a fake deal.

It was alleged that Ama was contacted by a fake company that wanted her to be a brand ambassador. They asked her to come to Accra to come and market some products. They promised to pay 5000 cedis for the deal.

As desperate as she was, Ama traveled all the way from Kumasi to Accra only to be arrested by the Amasam police.

She was accused of defamation and lying that Asantewaa’s brother, Kay Verli had impregnated her and leaked her n√de photos on social media.

Source: ghanacelebrities.com

Politics is serious business, focus on creative arts …Ola Michael advises Lilwin

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NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Ola Michael and Lilwin

Michael Kwaku Ola, an independent filmmaker, events producer, and on-air personality, has offered his advice to Kumawood actor and comedian Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lilwin, regarding his foray into politics.

Ola Michael emphasized that engaging in politics is a significant endeavor that requires seriousness and dedication, unlike the casual nature of a concert.

He urged Lilwin to reconsider his decision to enter politics and instead focus on his creative career.

Speaking on the UTV Showbiz Night, Ola Michael expressed concerns about the advice Lilwin is receiving from those close to him, suggesting that the encouragement to pursue a political career might ultimately backfire and yield unfavorable results.

He proposed that Lilwin should direct his resources towards his existing ventures or other worthwhile endeavors, rather than diverting them into the political arena.

“The truth might be uncomfortable, but being a member of parliament is a serious undertaking, not a mere concert. I believe it’s too early for him to be contemplating politics. He should concentrate on managing his school and nurturing his creative talents,” Ola Michael commented.

He further advised against Lilwin’s potential venture into politics and recommended that the actor take to heart the guidance provided by individuals such as former President Mahama, who cautioned against pursuing a political path.

“Even former President Mahama advised him not to go into politics, he should pay heed to that advice. I think he should not try venturing into politics, he should throw his resources into something worth spending on”.

Source; pulse.com.gh

Romania gas station hit by deadly explosions

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admin
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Fire fighters work as flames rise after an explosion at a LPG station in Crevedia, near Bucharest

At least one person has been killed and 57 others, including 39 firefighters, wounded after two explosions rocked a liquified petroleum gas (LPG) station close to Romania’s capital Bucharest on Saturday, officials have said.

The firefighters were injured in a second explosion as they were helping douse the fire in Crevedia commune, north of the capital, according to the government. At least 10 of those wounded were in critical condition, according to hospital representatives and local media.

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said the injured might be sent abroad for treatment.

“We think four of the patients will more than certainly be transferred tonight to hospitals in Italy and Belgium,” Ciolacu told reporters after an emergency meeting with the state agencies involved in handling the crisis.

Ciolacu attended a crisis cell meeting at the Ministry of Internal Affairs after the explosion.

About 3,000 people within an 800-metre (875-yard) radius have been evacuated, according to the ministry.

Source: Aljazeera.com

US Marines killed after aircraft crashes during military drill in Australia

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Two V-22 Osprey aircraft during joint exercises between US and Philippine troops in April

A United States military aircraft crashed on a north Australian island on Sunday, killing three Marines and injuring 20 during a multination training exercise, officials said.

Three had been confirmed dead on Melville Island and five of the 23 on board had been flown in serious conditions 80km (50 miles) to the mainland city of Darwin for hospital treatment after the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft crashed around 9:30am local time, a statement from the US Marines said.

Australia’s defence ministry said the accident happened during the annual Predator Run exercises involving the militaries of Australia, the United States, East Timor, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the crash a “tragic” incident.

“Our focus as a government and as a department of defence is very much on incident response and on making sure that every support and assistance is given at this difficult time,” he said.

Australian personnel were not involved, Albanese said.

Source: Aljazeera.com

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