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Ghana Cocoa REDD+programme Beneficiaries receive Emission Reduction Payments

By
ERNEST BEST ANANE
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Mr Benito Owusu Bio, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources

Farmers across Cocoa growing communities in the country have received Emission Reduction Payments from the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ programme at the Forestry Commission Training Center at Ejisu in the Ashanti region.

Mr. Benito Owusu Bio, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Nwabiagya North, in a key note address explained that “the Cocoa/Forest REDD+ Sika no aba” is a wonderful feat achieved by Ghana, being the second African country after Mozambique, to receive REDD+ results-based payments from the Carbon Fund of the World Bank.

According to him, in 2018, as the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and also Chairman of the Natural REDD+ Working Group, he led a technical team of experts to Paris, France, to successfully defend the acceptance of the Ghana Cocoa-Forest REDD+ Programme (GCFRP) into the Carbon Fund portfolio, during the 16th Meeting of the Carbon Fund.

He said the disbursement of the first carbon payment under the GCFRP, to agreed programme beneficiaries was in line with the 2012 Forest and Wildlife Policy and as the Premier programme in Ghana’s REDD+ Strategy launched in 2016.

The GCFRP, he noted, sought to halt and reverse deforestation and forest degradation, driven by expansionist Cocoa production activities, illegal mining, illegal logging and wood fuel extraction.

He noted that, the ten programme anticipates that if these measures are done at a jurisdictional scale, about 10 million tonnes of emission reductions will be realized in six years, as has  been designed to produce both carbon and non-carbon benefits.

The minister indicated that, the non-carbon benefits are direct increases in Cocoa yield and other food crops production and provision of alternative livelihoods while the Carbon payments represent negotiated Carbon payments for third party verified Emission reductions.

He said the ministry recognises the hard work, dedication and relentless efforts of all stakeholders and extended the gratitude of the Government of Ghana and the Ministry for Lands and Natural Resources to the Forestry Commission and its coordinating partner, the Ghana Cocoa Board for making the implementation of the programme a reality.

He also lauded the traditional authorities and farmers, particularly Cocoa farmers and local communities who believed in the fight against deforestation and forest degradation, the adoption of climate-smart practices and made it possible for all these interventions and ideas to be realised, while receiving their benefits directly into their own bank accounts without any third party interference.

Mr. Owusu Bio appreciated the CSOs and NGOs, other Government Agencies and the Private sector for providing both financial and technical support and not relenting in their dedicated support to the programme.

He reiterated that, the GCFRP Carbon payments were received in the Country in January this year but a number of due diligence processes and requirements had to be fulfilled according to the World Bank due process to enhance accountability and transparency in the disbursement of funds.

He said as part of the in-country governance arrangements, a REDD+ Dedicated Account Steering Committee was constituted with Government, Traditional Authority, Private Sector and CSO representatives.

The minister revealed that the group is chaired by the Ministry of Finance and commended the work of the Committee and particularly the Ministry of Finance for chairing the Committee excellently to a time when they can transfer and make payments.

Mr. Andy Okrah, the Director of the Forestry Commission Training Centre said the training unit for the Forestry Commission is the centre for Excellence in provision of holistic and technical and professional training in forestry, Wildlife and Wood Industry that is training FC Staff and all their stakeholders.

He stated that, the Centre has designed a training course on climate change mitigation and resilient practices to support farmers and other stakeholders to improve sustainable practices that promote and protect rural livelihoods.

Ms. Rosslyn Fosua Adjei, Director, Climate change Directorate of Forest Commission, disclosed that Ghana government got the first Readiness preparation plan (R+PP) done and approved, while  the mid-term progress report and request for additional funding was also done and approved in 2014, which  two milestones were achieved in 2016 when Ghana developed and launched the REDD+ strategy which serve as the blueprint to REDD+ implementation in Ghana and also the readiness package which set the tone of readiness for Ghana to start an Emission Reduction programme.

Public office holders must swear by deities, shrines -Ashanti Chief

By
ERNEST BEST ANANE
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Nana Baffour Kotei Sramah Ababio, Chief of Breman (middle)

Nana Baffour Kotei Sramah Ababio, Chief of Breman in the Kumasi municipality has suggested that public office holders must be made to swear by the Oath of deities or shrines to assume office.

The Bremanhene said it is time the 1992 Constitution of Ghana was amended to provide that public office holders are sworn into office under the Oath of deities or shrines.

According to him, Ghanaians are no longer scared of swearing with the Bible or Qur’an and would always lie under the Oath and take their own ways, after occupying their portfolios.

Nana KoteiSramah made the recommendation last Sunday during the observation of Akwasidai, which coincided with the launching of Oduma-Buosika festival.

The chief entreated Ghanaians to cherish African cultural values, adding that before the advent of the Bible, Africans had own beliefs and way of worship, for which traditional and cultural values should not be seen as evil or idol worshiping and satanic practices.

He is of the view that before the Bible came to Africa people were afraid and scared of committing crimes or engaging in criminal activities, let alone engage in bribery and corruption.

Nana Sramah noted that we have come to understand that Christianity and Islam is the way to go with the perception and assumption that traditional beliefs are satanic or evil, criminal activities and bribery and corruption, especially among office holders are so rampant, even when they have sworn under the Oath by the Bible and Qur’an.

He has, therefore, suggested that Ghanaians in general and stakeholders in particular should consider the swearing of Oath by deities or shrines by public office holders to put the fear of God into them and save the nation wastage of funds and resources.

KMA bans tricycles from operating in Central Business District of Kumasi 

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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Samuel Pyne - KMA boss

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has banned the operation of tricycles for commercial activities within the Central Business District (CBD).

Their operations have thus been confined to areas outside a marked zone in the metropolis, effective July 24, 2023.

The restriction forms part of measures by the KMA to re-organise provision of transport services in the city, in response to the growing illegal activities that has taken over transport services and thus causing congestion in the city.

The decision follows a resolution of the General Assembly resolving at its meeting on April 29, 2023 to take steps to restrict the activities of tricycles (Pragia/Aboboyaa/Adedeta) within the CBD to check the growing menace posed by their operations.

According to Mr. Randy Wilson, the Head of Transport Department of KMA, the decision is to arrest the alarming rate of clashes involving tricycles.

He said the Transport Department and the Transport Sub-Committee have interacted with major stakeholders, including security agencies and all tricycle operators regarding the restricted areas and punitive measures outlined for defaulters to ensure easy implementation of the measures.

Mr. Wilson also announced major measures for On-Street Stations which have increased, contrary to initial decision to operate in the city.

He noted that most of the stations have increased the number of slots allocated to them, whilst others have introduced additional routes into their operations, as well as illegal stations causing congestion.

The Head of Transport Department also mentioned Day-Time Cargo loading challenges as Cargo vehicles operate throughout the day and park anywhere, creating congestion contrary to KMA bye-laws, which do not permit off-loading of goods in the CBD between the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm.

As a result, the transport department has adopted re-packaging and Enforcement of day-time Cargo loading policy for On-Street Stations to revamp their operations.

He said illegal stations would be abolished or restricted since they do not have any permits to operate as such locations.

He said All Transport Unions and Stations operating in the city would be made to produce their Transport Operating Permits for inspection and those operating at approved locations should be made to renew them appropriately or caused to cease operation until they have done so.

Mr. Wilson mentioned some of the illegal loading points and stations in the Central Business District as Pampaso-Top (Opposite Police  Quarters), Obuasi/Bekwai/Sunyani; Pampaso Down (Old Filling Station) for Long Distance trips, including Bibiani Dunkwa-On-Offin; Tarkwa/Goaso/Techiman/Accra/Ho/Hohoe Sunyani/Berekum/Dormaa/Koforidua, New Edubiase and others illegal stations, Central market, Sandra Hotel Road, MOGPA Y-FM, Kufuor Clinic, KAMA/MIKADO building, Behind Bantama Ahenfie, Bonsam Gyam, KATH roundabout, Behind Ideal College at Bantama, Adehyie Market and All Filling Stations Around Suame Roundabout.

Court to announce judgement date for Aisha Huang trial October 12

By
admin
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Accra High Court

An Accra High Court will on October 12, 2023, set the date to deliver judgment in the case of En Huang aka Aisha Huang, the alleged galamsey kingpin.

The court presided over by Justice Mrs Lydia Osei- Marfo has therefore ordered the State, led by Mrs Yvonne Atakorah Obuobisa, the Director of Public Prosecution to file her written address on September 20, 2023.

It further ordered the defence team led by Mr. Miracle Atachi to file their written address before October 11, 2023.

The court gave the orders after prosecutors concluded their cross-examination of Aisha Huang, who is standing trial for undertaking illegal mining operations without a license, facilitating the participation of persons in illegal mining and unlawfully re-entering Ghana after her deportation.

Aisha has denied all the charges. She is in lawful custody.

Answering questions under cross-examination earlier in the court, Aisha denied that she had engaged persons to mine illegally in Ghana.

“It is not true that I have engaged anybody to engage in illegal mining on my behalf. I swear, I have not engaged four Chinese nationals to work for me.

“It is not true that I took some Chinese Nationals to Bepotenten in Amansie Central, Ashanti Region, to mine for me. I have never engaged in mining activities.”

According to Aisha, she had never bought any land from some prosecution witnesses to engage in illegal mining.

The prosecution pointed out to Aisha that she possessed three passports, one of which she had concealed.

It further quizzed her over her alleged marriage to three men. Aisha admitted to marrying a Ghanaian known as Anthony Fabian in China in 2009. The union lasted five years.

According to Aisha, Anthony Fabian visited her in Ghana every year and disagreed with the prosecution that her alleged husband did not exist.

Aisha told the court that one Amoah Prince Kenneth was her partner but could not recollect any liaison with Daniel Oduro Acheampong.

“I did not contract any marriage with Oduro at Oda in July 2018,” she told the court.

Aisha said she was not aware that the Ghana Immigration Service did not have records on the said Anthony Fabian. She denied knowledge of a writ and injunction filed by some persons in connection with the acquisition of land. The court has since adjourned the matter to August 16, 2023, for mention.

The court explained that August 16 was in line with the law’s requirement when it comes to adjournment of cases.

Source: GNA

God is punishing VGMA for denying me ‘Popular Song’ award -Patapaa

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Patapaa

Ghanaian artiste Patapaa Amisty, famous for his viral hit track “One Corner,” has recently hinted at the possibility of a divine curse being placed upon Charterhouse, the organizers of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA).

In a candid interview on Hitz FM, Patapaa expressed his lingering disappointment over the 2018 VGMA, where he lost the coveted Most Popular Song of the Year award to Fancy Gadam’s “Total Cheat.”

The singer revealed that he strongly felt that God had placed a curse on the VGMA organizers as a consequence of their actions during the awards ceremony. He expressed his belief that the perceived curse was a form of punishment for causing him pain during the event.

“I can see that God has placed a curse on the organizers of VGMA because of what they did to me. I don’t want to go far,” he pointed out during the interview.

Although Patapaa refrained from divulging further details on the matter, he emphasized that the concept of a curse in this context meant facing consequences for inflicting pain upon someone else. He chose not to elaborate further but stood by his belief.

Credit: pulse.com.gh

Brymo reveals he once demanded sex from Simi to collaborate with her

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Brymo and Simi

Popular Nigerian Singer Brymo, born Olawale Olofooro, has revealed that he once he requested sex from his colleague Simi to record a song with her.

In his words, he wanted to experience making music with a female musician he was sleeping with.

In a series of tweets, Brymo expressed his regrets for making such demands and neglecting collaboration with Simi because he wanted to fulfill his fantasies.

“There’s a part of me that wants to feel remorse for my requirement for a collaboration with the talented Simi. Yet, I am reminded that I was indeed and honestly seeking to experience the outcome of making music with a female act I was bedding. I proposed the same to Efya, too, then,” he wrote.

“Of course, I had to let go of the desperation. I didn’t intend then to demand sex for collaboration. I wanted an experience that involved sex with my female collaborator,” the singer added.

Brymo, however, clarified that he was not asking for sex in exchange for collaboration. “I wanted to get intimate to create intensity.”

“I promise I was seeking the experience. To date, I have still never slept with any female I collaborated with. I let it go,” he explained.

He added that he had no idea that at the time Simi and her husband Adekunle Gold were already in a relationship.

“It took years for me to find out that they were together…First of all, I deprived them of features and finally, they made it on their own…But I never intended to demand sex for features, he added.

However, the husband of singer Simi, musician Adekunle Gold, was not pleased with Brymo after he confessed.

Quoting Brymo’s tweet, Adekunle wrote, “Do not disrespect my wife and my family. Get Help!”

7-member committee to probe leaked audio

By
MAXWELL OFORI
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Samuel Atta Akyea, MP for Abuakwa South

Parliament has appointed a seven-member Special Committee to investigate the leaked audio allegedly plotting against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, and the 2024 General Elections.

The membership comprises six Members of Parliament (MPs), three from each side – Majority and Minority – and a non-MP who is a technical person to aid the committee’s work.

Representing the Majority is the MP for Abuakwa South, Samuel Atta Akyea, who will be the Chairman of the Committee. The other two are Patrick Yaw Boamah, MP, Okaikoi North, and Ophelia Mensah Hayford, MP, Mfantseman.

The Minority is represented by James Agalga, MP, Builsa North, who is the Vice Chairman. The rest are Eric Opoku, MP, Asunafo South, and Peter Lanchene Toobu, MP, Wa West. The technical person is Dr. Isaac Lartey Annan, a Lawyer and human rights expert.

The House deliberated on the period to conduct their business and report back to the plenary. After hearing from leadership of both sides, the Speaker directed that the Committee to do “thorough work” and report when the House resumes from recess, which is next week.

“So, I will specifically state that the committee should submit a report by September 10, 2023,” which translates into over a month of working time.

The Speaker did not categorically mention the terms of reference to guide the committee’s work, except to say that the issues to identify were known to everyone.

The leaked audio, which went viral on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, allegedly involved a high-profile Police Commissioner and some leaders of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

URGENT STATEMENT

When Parliament sat on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, the Deputy Minority Leader, Armah Kofi Buah, rising on Order 72 of the standing orders of the House, made an urgent statement on the alleged audio.

He referred the House to the said audio and invited the Speaker to allow Parliament to go into the merits of it.

His reason was that the content of the alleged tape should be a matter of “concern” to the legislators, given that protecting the fourth republic needs to be of paramount interest.

The Member of Parliament for James Agalga, MP for Builsa North, who commented on the statement, feared that the real issue contained in the alleged tape had been brushed aside. He cited the electoral violence in Techiman South to cement his case for a probe.

He pointed out that there is a “conspiracy to undermine the sovereign will” of Ghanaians in 2024, explaining that “attempts are being made” to dislodge the current IGP for one that would compromise itself.

The former Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, prayed the Speaker to order a forensic probe into the alleged tape for purposes of protecting “our democracy.”

In his view, the probe would help protect the “professional integrity” of the IGP and also assure citizens that the elections would be free and fair.

Eric Opoku, MP for Asunafo South, expressed “surprise” that “our colleagues” on the other side were not concerned about the consolidation of democracy. “I’m surprised that we are arguing over this.”

The Minority was seeking a thorough forensic audit of the alleged tape to establish the veracity or otherwise of the leaked audio. The Majority side agreed with their colleagues for the audio to be probed, a consensus that led to the decision to form a special committee, which was unveiled yesterday.

Joselyn Dumas addresses sexually explicit content on her social media

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Joselyn Dumas

On Sunday, July 23, 2023, series of sexually explicit content was retweeted from Joselyn Dumas’ Twitter account.

According to the Actress and host, her account had been hacked by an unknown person, however, she revealed that the situation had been addressed with the help of her assistant, her former publicist and a tech expert to regain control.

In a tweet addressing the incident, Joselyn Dumas wrote, “Guys guys ugh!!! my Twitter was hacked!!! Thanks to @qrsyth@bra_perruci & @blarneybejamin for working swiftly to help restore my account and many thanks to everyone that called and showed concern on here. I appreciate you all. Thanks #LoveAbounds.”

Fans were taken aback on the evening of Sunday, July 23, by the unexpected and explicit content that appeared on the actress’s Twitter account, leading to a flurry of discussions among her followers and the online community.

Speculations were rife as to whether the actress herself was behind the tweets or if her account had genuinely fallen victim to a hacking incident.

However, many fans quickly came to her defense, expressing their belief that her account had been compromised.

Hacking incidents have become a growing concern in the digital age, and celebrities often find themselves at the receiving end of such attacks.

Hollywood celebrities including Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Hudson, Miley Cyrus, and Tiger Woods have all been victims of hacking incidents.

Other famous figures such as Barack Obama, Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates have all been affected in the past as their official accounts were used to request cryptocurrency from the public.

The breach of privacy and potential damage to one’s reputation are significant challenges that individuals in the public eye face in today’s interconnected world.

As social media platforms continue to play a significant role in shaping public perception, incidents like these serve as a reminder for public figures to remain vigilant about their online security.

Adjetey Anang to consider endorsing political party

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Adjetey-Anang

Actor Adjetey Anang has said that he would have a second thought about endorsing a political party if he is approached again.

In an interview on Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z, Mr. Anang says that at the time he had his first offer to endorse a political party, the political system was too polarised so he didn’t want to get involved in it.

According to him, the system has changed a bit so if any party approaches him today, he would have to think about it again.

“If they came today, we might look at a few considerations. At the time it was a different period. And so I think that we’ve come far, as a people. We’re still very sensitive where we have accepted the fact that people have had the choice to come out boldly and choose a political party, even though it’s still early days yet but we’re still not like places like the US,” he noted.

“Today, with a few things, we’ll consider [an offer from a political party],” the celebrated actor further stated.

Adjetey Anang’s book: ‘Adjetey Anang: A Story of Faith, Imperfection and Resilience’ he mentions that even though he was “broke” at the time the juicy offer came, he had to decline.

“…on another occasion, I was approached by a political party in which I had many friends, to endorse the campaign of their flagbearer,” Anang said in the book, adding: “I was broke, the monetary reward was tempting, and all I needed to do was a few minutes of endorsement and my troubles would be over!”

Even though he declined to mention the year this happened, he disclosed in the interview that it was a ruling party that approached him with the offer.

He revealed they were ready to give him a car and an amount of 50,000 dollars, among other things.

Wagner in Mali: US sanctions top junta officials over alleged ties

By
admin
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Mali's Defence Minister Col Sadio Camara is accused by the US of planning and organising Wagner's deployment

The US has imposed sanctions on three top officials of Mali’s junta for their alleged involvement with the Wagner Group of Russian mercenaries.

Wagner fighters have been accused of committing atrocities alongside the Malian army fighting jihadists.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said civilian casualties had more than tripled since Wagner forces were deployed to Mali in late 2021.

Mali’s government has never officially acknowledged Wagner’s presence.

But the shadowy mercenary group is believed to have about 1,000 soldiers in Mali, one of several African states in which it operates.

Their deployment had followed a breakdown in diplomatic relations between Mali’s military regime and France, prompting the former colonial power to withdraw its counter-terror troops.

The three officials sanctioned are Defence Minister Col Sadio Camara, head of the air force Col Alou Boi Diarra and air force deputy head Lt Col Adama Bagayoko.

In a US statement they are accused of being “instrumental in facilitating the Wagner Group’s entrenchment in Mali over the past two years”.

Col Camara and Col Diarra are accused of planning and organising Wagner’s deployment to Mali, while Col Bagayoko is also alleged to be working to secure Wagner’s deployment to neighbouring Burkina Faso and reportedly trying to help it get access to gold mines in Mali.

Since Wagner began working in Mali, in December 2021, civilian casualties have increased by more than 270%, the US says.

Source: bbc.com

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