Charles Kotei, the Assemblyman for Damfa, has been put before an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly selling Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) meter to a former Staff of ECG in Accra.
With him in the dock was Foster Moore, a self-styled businessman.
Prosecution said the two accused persons “had been selling ECG meters around Damfa, Adenta and East Legon and also assisted buyers to install them.”
They have been charged with intentionally interfering with the ECG Supplier distribution system, meter or any equipment and having in their possession of the stolen property (ECG Meter).
Moore and Kotei have pleaded not guilty.
Moore was earlier on remanded into police custody by the same court two weeks ago.
When the facts and charges were amended by the prosecution today, Moore and Kotei were jointly charged.
The court, presided over by Samuel Bright Acquah, has admitted them to bail in the sum of GH¢10,000 each with a surety each. The sureties, the Court said should be family members and Ghanaians.
The matter has been adjourned to April 27, 2023
Mr. Paul Asibi Abariga, General Manager in charge of prosecutions, said the complainant is Kwame Agyemang Budu, a former staff of ECG.
Mr. Abariga said Moore resided at Osu while Kotei is the Assemblyman for Damfa, Accra.
The Prosecution said the complainant owned a shop at East Legon which he was renovating.
On March 1, 2023, Moore went to the shop and Moore approached the complainant’s caretaker one Simon Long-Yin, that he had some ECG meters for sale.
It said the caretaker informed the complainant who took Moore’s contact and contacted him to bring him one ECG meter.
The Prosecution said the complainant informed the ECG Legal and Prosecution Unit about Moore’s activities.
It said Moore later brought the ECG meter with serial number 141186697 to the complainant to buy and he arranged for Moore’s arrest.
The prosecution said ECG meter was retrieved from Moore and he was cautioned.
It said during interrogation Moore led the Police to Damfa and pointed Kotei as the one who sold the ECG meter to at a cost of GH¢400.
Prosecution said police investigations indicated that the two accused persons “had been selling ECG meters around Damfa, Adenta and East Legon and also assisted buyers to install them.”
It said on March 20, 2023, Moore started sending the complainant threatening messages on WhatsApp that he will deal with him and that “tampering and selling ECG meters that makes clients to pay less is his business and if he does not know, he sells pistols so the complainant should be careful with him.”
When Kotei was quizzed about the ECG meters, he mentioned Atigah but he could not lead the Police to the said Atigah.
Ghana has placed first in access to electricity rate in Sub-Saharan Africa, a latest report by the World Bank has stated.
The World Bank’s April 2023 Africa’s Pulse Report, which assessed the electricity access rate between 2015 and 2021, scored Ghana 81.2 per cent.
Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Senegal, and Nigeria followed the ranking order, scoring 77.0 per cent, 76.0 per cent, and 73.5 per cent respectively.
Nigeria, Rwanda, and The Gambia placed 5th, 6th, and 7th after scoring 69.1 per cent, 65.0 per cent, and 61.0 per cent respectively.
The Report also noted that Ghana, together with Rwanda, and Kenya were on track to achieving full energy access by 2030.
The World Bank said access to energy was one of the most profound development challenges Sub-Saharan Africa faced.
It stated that in 2022, 600 million people in Africa, representing 43 per cent of the continent, lacked access to electricity, out of which the vast majority of them—590 million or 98 per cent—were in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Report said although countries had made progress in closing energy access gaps, millions of people lacked modern energy services.
“Africa’s rapidly growing population has translated to energy demand increasingly, outstripping supply. At present, Africa has 18 per cent of the world’s population but less than six per cent of global energy consumption,” it said.
The World Bank said the COVID-19 pandemic had eroded gains made in the preceding five years—the number of people without access to electricity increased by four per cent in 2021, compared to 2019.
“In Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire, the numbers were stable or reduced. The pandemic had the largest effect on the installation of new stand-alone off-grid systems, as the majority of new connections since 2020 have been grid connections,” it said.
Presentation of Best Female Graduating Student Award to Alberta Tawiah
Newmont Africa has awarded Alberta AgyapomaaTawiah for emerging as the 2022 Best Female Graduating Student in Mining Engineering at the George Grant University of Mines and Technology (UMaT).
Alberta graduated with a Cumulative Weighted Average (CWA) of 87.41%, making her the Overall Best Female Graduating Student of the year, and recipient of the Newmont Africa award. The Newmont Africa award was instituted in 2019 to recognize females who excel in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) related courses at the University. It includes a cash donation (Ghana Cedi equivalent) of US$1,000.00, a laptop computer, and an automatic National Service opportunity with the company, which Alberta has already begun at Newmont’s Akyem mine.
Commenting on the award, Ms. Adiki Ayitevie, Vice President, Sustainability and External Relations at Newmont Africa, said: “The aim of this award is to recognize and celebrate the achievements of outstanding female students in Mining Engineering who have shown dedication in their course of study, and to encourage more women to pursue careers in the mining industry and STEM-related fields.”
Throughout her mining engineering programme, Alberta maintained high academic standards, completing her first year with a CWA of 86.01%, and in the second year, winning the Chamber of Mines Best Female Student in Mining Engineering Award with a CWA of 86.13%.
“We are extremely proud of Alberta and congratulate her for such an outstanding achievement,” Ms. Ayitevie added.
Newmont’s Global University Strategy
Newmont Africa’s Best Female Graduating Student in Mining Engineering Award was established in line with the company’s Inclusion value and its Global University Strategy. The Strategy enables the company to, among other things, build a pipeline of brilliant academic talent, with the potential to meet future human resource needs, while also helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
Other initiatives under University Strategy are the Newmont Graduate Programme, a two-year Development Programme for new university graduates, and the Internship Programme, which offers one-three months of practical experience to selected continuing students. Through these programmes, Newmont Africa provides opportunities for students in tertiary institutions and graduates to gain practical skills, valuable work experience, and a deeper understanding of the mining industry.
PETITION OF LAWYER ABRAHAM AMALIBA AGAINST HON BRYAN ACHEAMPONG FOR HIS ARREST, INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION
The Humble Petition of ABRAHAM AMALIBA ESQUIRE, the Director Legal Affairs Directorate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Republic of Ghana:
That Your Petitioner is a Ghanaian and the Director (Legal Affairs Directorate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Abraham Amaliba
That Your Petitioner on the 8″ day of April, 2023 heard in the news and watched videos, to his chagrin and disappointment, in which Hom Bryan Acheampong, Member of Parliament for Abetifi and Minister for Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs addressed NPP supporters at Kwahu, Mpraeso and told them in a rather exasperating and daring tone that the NPP will never hand over power to the NDC on any platform.
That Your Petitioner says that the said Hon Bryan Acheampong continued to say that they — NPP will show the NDC that the NPP have the men, and that the NPP will do everything possible — fair or foul means to remain in power come what may in the 2024 general elections. I enclose herein, audios and videos of the utterances of Hon Bryan Acheampong for your perusal.
That in the estimation of Your Petitioner and those of the general public, the statements uttered by Hon Bryan Acheampong could be interpreted to mean that the NPP has conceived a grand scheme to subvert the will of the people of Ghana in the 2024 elections and any attempt to resist them would be met with violence.
Your Petitioner wishes to remind you of Hon Bryan Acheampong’s unilateral and illegal deployment of NPP hoodlums garbed in National Security Operatives uniforms to assault the Hon Sam Dzata George, innocent electorates and maimed some NDC supporters in the Ayawaso West Wuogon By-elections.
Your Petitioner says that given the infamous and unenviable track record of Hon Bryan Acheampong in organising NPP hoodlums to unleash violence on Ghanaians, his statements on the 8″ day of April, 2023 border on national security threats and democracy and should not be taken lightly.
That Your Petitioner takes notice and commends the Ghana Police of its unwavering stance in clamping down on comments that have the propensity to incite violence and derail our democratic credentials.
Your Petitioner also notes the swiftness with which persons who were allegedly involved in the recent disturbances at the just ended National Youth Congress of the NDC were arrested across the country.
Your Petitioner refers you to the recent arrest, investigations, charge, arraignment and prosecution of the NDC Suame Constituency Youth Organiser currently pending in the Asokwa Circuit Court, Kumasi.
Your Petitioner encloses herein a photocopy of the Charge sheet and brief facts against NDC Suame Constituency Youth Organiser currently pending in the Asokwa Circuit Court, Kumasi for purposes of refreshing your memory.
Your Petitioner notes as a matter of fact that, the alacrity with which you are prosecuting the NDC Suame Constituency Youth Organiser and urges you to replicate same to the Hon Bryan Acheampong. One of the foundation pillars of the rule of law is equality before the law and the maxim of equity is equality bs equity.
Your Petitioner says that he is certain without any fear of contradiction that the statements of Hon Bryan Acheampong is on all fours with the pronouncements of the Suame NDC Constituency Youth Organiser that led to his arrest the basis upon which he currently stands trial in Court in Kumasi.
George Akuffo Dampare
Your Petitioner well-nigh believe that arrest, investigations, preferment of criminal charges, arraignment and prosecutions are discretionary but good conscience, equity and natural justice require that precedents be followed to uphold the sanctity of criminal prosecutions in the Country.
It is on the basis of the foregoing that Your Petitioner craves your attention and prays you by way of bringing the contents of this Petition to you to cause the arrest, investigate, charge and put before Court, Hon Bryan Acheampong for his reckless, dangerous, instigating and unparliamentary comments.
That in all these, Your Petitioner is of the view that the pronouncements of the Hon Bryan Acheampong as a Member of Parliament and a sector minister are so serious that it must not go unquestioned lest it becomes a harbinger of a civil unrest.
That as highly count on your swift attention to, and consideration of this humble Petition, kindly accept the warmest compliments and respects of Your Petitioner and those of National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Respectfully submitted.
Signed.
Abraham Amaliba, Esquire
Director (NDC Legal Affairs Directorate)
Petitioner Herein
Cc:
The Inspector General of Police, Police Headquarters, Accra
The Speaker of Parliament, Parliamentary Service, Ghana, Accra
The Chairman, National Peace Council, Accra;
The President, National House of Chiefs, Accra;
The President, Catholic Bishop’s Conference, Accra;
The Chairman, Christian Council of Ghana, Accra;
The National Chief Imam, Accra;
All Media Houses
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT, HEADQUARTERS GHANA POLICE SERVICE
ACCRA
12th APRIL, 2023
Dear Madam,
PETITION FOR THE ARREST AND PROSECUTION OF JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA AND JOHNSON ASIEDU NKETIAH FOR TREASONABLE AND OFFENSIVE CONDUCT CONDUCIVE TO BREACHES OF THE PEACE CONTRARY TO SECTIONS 180 AND 207 OF THE CRIMINAL OFEENSES ACT, 1960 (ACT 29) RESPECTIVELY
I am Henry Nana Boakye, a Ghanaian citizen and the National Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). | write to formally petition the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service, for the arrest, investigation and prosecution of H.E. John Dramani Mahama and Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) for treasonable and offensive conduct conducive to breaches of the peace contrary to Sections 180 and 207 of the Criminal Offenses Act, 1960 (ACT 29) respectively, and which offences are to be dealt with pursuant to Section 1 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (ACT 30).
Bryan Acheampong
Former President John Dramani Mahama, without regard to his stature as a statesman, proudly touted across various platforms, the revolutionary root of the NDC and their unparalleled capacity when it comes to unleashing violence for political gain. Further to this, are his comments to the effect that the NDC’s approach to the elections of 2024 shall be one of “do or die” and “boot-for-boot”. Invariably, this speaks to their unwavering resolve to use fair or foul means to procure electoral advantage regardless of the consequences. When he was asked during a media interview what he meant by ‘boot-for-boot’ and ‘do or die’, and whether with the benefit of hindsight, he would want to retract those incendiary comments, John Dramani Mahama insisted that he meant what he said and that he was never going to retract.
On the part of Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, he has repeatedly threatened fire and brimstone to ensure the victory of the NDC in the 2024 general elections. He has disclosed that the elections shall be bloody and that his party was willing and ready to sacrifice lives to ensure their victory in 2024. He is on record to have stated unequivocally during his victory speech following his election as the National Chairman of the NDC, on December 18, 2022, that, it was time for members of the NDC to continue the fight to win the second Independence of Ghana, and that, they are prepared to sacrifice everything including their lives for an NDC victory in the 2024 general elections.
Given the influential positions that John Dramani Mahama and Johnson Asiedu Nketiah occupy, the NPP is of the firm conviction that such criminally reckless and reasonable commentary coming from them portends a great danger for the peace and stability of the State, and also have the potential of inciting their supporters to disturb the constitutional order by resorting to some unorthodox and extra-constitutional means of changing a democratically elected government.
It is my submission that this treasonable and incendiary commentary by John Dramani Mahama and Johnson Asiedu Nketiah taken together, constitute a patterned conduct aimed at inciting NDC party lackeys to employ all means including violence so long as electoral victory is assured. It also constitutes a veiled threat to overthrow the constitutional process established for conducting general elections in the country. Indeed, we believe it was such reckless commentary coming from them that recently emboldened one of their own, the NDC Youth Organizer for Suame Constituency in the Ashanti Region to brazenly proclaim that the Youth of the NDC were willing to kill people in order to ensure an NDC victory in 2024 general elections.
On account of the foregoing, I humbly submit that if such vacuous commentary is to be eliminated from our body politic, then high-statured persons such as Former President John Dramani Mahama and Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman cannot be immune from arrest and investigations, after all, the principle of equality before the law is enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic.
Madam, the offence of offensive conduct conducive to the breach of the peace that remains on our statute books is to forestall conduct such as the above, that is capable of inciting others to violence and untoward practice, especially considering the influence of the individuals involved. Such utterances ought not be made by any patriotic citizen, much more, a former President and Chairman of the largest opposition party. It is more worrying, that such commentary borders on treason as it threatens the peace and security of the State; and holds in its belly, the capacity to erode all the democratic gains we have made in this Fourth Republic.
Henry Nana Boakye
Consequently, and given the fact that statute of limitation does not apply to criminal conduct, I pray your esteemed office to immediately arrest, investigate and prosecute Former President John Dramani Mahama and Chairman Asiedu Nketiah for their unbridled and pernicious conducts as aforementioned. Your immediate intervention is required to save our democracy and the Fourth Republican constitutional order. This, I believe, would serve as a caution that any person, regardless of status, can be reached by the long arm of the law, hence must be guided in their commentary.
Kindly find attached for your indulgence, videos, audios, publications and other relevant materials in support of our petition for the immediate arrest, investigation and prosecution of John Dramani Mahama and Johnson Asiedu Nketiah in accordance with your mandate under the laws of the Republic of Ghana.
I trust that you would promptly act on this petition given the graveness of the matters raised. Thank you in anticipation of your usual cooperation.
Yours in service of country.
… Signed…
Henry Nana Boakye Esq. National Organizer, NPP
Cc:
The Inspector General of Police, Police Headquarters, Accra
Ghanaian media personality, Andy Dosty, has revealed that Shatta Wale has apologised for disrespecting his mother on stage. This came after an incident on Andy’s show, ‘Daybreak Hitz,’ where he expressed his anger towards a fan who asked why he wasn’t promoting Shatta Wale’s new album ‘Maali.’
Andy explained that Shatta Wale had insulted and spoken ill of his mother on stage, which was why he refused to promote the album.
“You want me to talk about it? An artiste that stands on stage and insults my mother and talks anyhow and foolishly to my mother, and you want me to what? If you don’t have sense, I do. If you don’t respect, don’t come here. The woman who gave birth to me has lived a good life and has a good place to live. That’s all I have said. I love my mother, and nobody, nobody… I won’t speak ill of anyone’s mother; she raised me well. You can fool around. The fooling is too much in this country.
“You will be sitting there, and they will want to come and sit here and say they want to promote their stuff. What do you want to promote? If that woman didn’t give birth to me, where would you know me from? Foolish guy,” he fumed with rage.
However, in a new twist to events, Andy has disclosed that Shatta has apologised to him over the phone.
In a discussion with Sally Mane and DJ Slim, Andy Dosty said Shatta reached out through someone, with whom he spoke for more than 50 minutes.
“All I can say is that we have spoken, he called a big man and that person called me. He channeled the apology through someone and we spoke for more than 50 minutes. He also expressed some of my actions he didn’t like. Even my mother called and said we are brothers so we shouldn’t let this go far,” he said.
Andy, however, emphasized that although they had spoken, the issue won’t be trashed just like that.
Nollywood Actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, has recounted his experience during the run-up to the 2023 Nigerian general elections.
The Actor narrated how he was assaulted by thugs as he campaigned for his preferred candidate.
He made this known in an interview on Vanguard TV in Nigeria.
The celebrated Actor said: “Nigerian politics. Partially, I was involved o. The only thing different is that there were some situations where there was thuggery.
“Where we went to campaign, I received slaps from people that I don’t even know. But there was so much to slap because it didn’t mean anything to me.
“I collected like three or four slaps, free, from other boys. ‘Why did you come here? They asked, before I answered that question, gbosa! You won’t even like the sound of the slap because the people that are slapping are idiots because their slap is not human,” he recalled.
Touching on his long absence from the industry, Mr. Ibu said his comeback movie is currently underway, adding that he halted as a result of the election and transition period.
Highlife legend, Kojo Antwi, has disclosed some of his other businesses asides from music.
In an interview with Abeiku Sanata, the Mastero as he is affectionately called mentioned that, he is into other businesses even though music still remains his core.
This was after he was asked what his life would’ve been like, if not for music.
“My life rotates around music. I’m into different things as well. When I say I’m into different things I mean I’ve got businesses that have got to do with oil, radio station but my life has always revolved around music,” Kojo Antwi said.
Detailing his journey, the ‘Amirika’ hitmaker seized the opportunity to eulogize his father who saw potential in him and gave him the green light to pursue his purpose.
“All these didn’t come easy; I had my challenges because I grew up with my dad. I started this whole music journey at age 17 and I have been through a lot, But in all, he allowed me to do my thing. He allowed me to do what God has planned for me,” he stated.
When asked what schools he attended and the role they played in his success story, Kojo Antwi disclosed that his educational journey ended at the primary level.
“I first started primary school in Suhum and continued at Ordorkor in Accra. That was all. Education is in different forms. We have the formal type and the one that life teaches us,” he established.
Sometime in 2014, the highlife maestro established his own radio station named, Breeze 90.9 FM, situated in the Airport Residential Area.
Gospel musician MOG has an advice for up-and-coming Artistes.
According to the ‘Be lifted’ crooner, new Artistes should focus on building a strong and solid brand rather than winning awards.
The musician said in an interview on GBC’s Breakfast show that artistes need to improve their craft, work towards their growth and prove their worth as they
“What is an up-and-coming artiste doing on an award scheme? You are an up-and-coming artiste; you have to build your brand.
“You have to build it to a relevant stage where you qualify for these schemes,” MOG explained when he was asked if it was a valid assertion that the VGMA neglects budding artistes.
He added that; “So if you are an up-and-coming artiste, your focus should be how you can work hard to have an opportunity to be on the schemes.”
The gospel musician made this statement at the back of the criticisms that the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) neglects up-and-coming artistes.
Born Nana Yaw Boakye-Yiadom, MOG Music added that an artiste rushing to win awards among others while their career is still in the early development stage can have a negative impact on their future.
“Sometimes when you are not ready for the platform, the platform can just sink you. They shouldn’t be in a hurry to quickly jump on awards schemes. Trust me these are some of the things that kill talents really quick”, he cautioned.
The Greek Orthodox Church on Wednesday slammed what it called Israel’s “heavy-handed restrictions” on freedom of worship as it prepares to celebrate Easter in occupied East Jerusalem.
Israeli police said the limits are needed for safety during Saturday’s “Holy Fire” celebration at the ancient Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the 12th-century holy site where Jesus is believed by Christians to have been crucified, buried and resurrected.
Israeli authorities claim the measures are related to recent violence in the Old City, touched off by Israeli police raids on Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy site, the compound that is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and its attacks on Muslim worshippers.
But many Christian leaders, who say there is no need to alter a ceremony that has been held for centuries, believe this is part of an ongoing Israeli policy to push them out of their homeland.
Every year, Israeli police have limited the number of pilgrims who can attend Christian celebrations, including the “Holy Fire” ceremony, irrespective of the security situation.
“They’ve locked down the Christian and Armenian quarters on the actual day [of the ceremony – Saturday] and pretty much let no one else into the city except for those issued tickets by the police for the Holy Fire,” said Donald Binder, chaplain to the Anglican archbishop of Jerusalem.
“[Christianity] is the biggest religion in the world and yet Christians are being kept out of their quarter of the holy city on the holiest day of the year for them,” he told Al Jazeera.
The Italian coastguard approaches a boat carrying migrants in the Ionian Sea on 10 April
Italian ministers have called a six-month state of emergency in response to a rise in migrant numbers crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa.
The decision frees up €5m (£4.4m) in funds and coincides with the arrival of 3,000 migrants in three days.
A number of boats have landed on the Italian island of Lampedusa and the coastguard has rescued some 2,000 people since Friday.
The UN has recorded the highest number of migrant deaths since 2017.
Its migration body said 441 deaths had been recorded in the Central Mediterranean in the first three months of 2023. It warned that delays in state-led rescues saw at least 127 people dying, while in another deadly incident there had been a complete lack of response.
In the latest sinking, at least 10 people from sub-Saharan Africa drowned off the Tunisian coast, according to the national guard. Dozens more were rescued after the accident on Tuesday off the port city of Sfax.
Tunisia has become the biggest point of departure for migrant boats in recent months and another four deaths were reported at the weekend off Sfax, some 185km (115 miles) away from Lampedusa.
Tunisia is in the grip of a financial crisis and the sharp rise in sea crossings came after President Kais Saied accused sub-Saharan migrants of causing a crime wave, prompting UN accusations of hate speech.
Migrant arrivals to Italy have risen sharply compared with the same period last year, despite efforts by Italy’s right-wing coalition government to clamp down on irregular migration. A fishing boat carrying 700 rescued migrants was due to arrive in port in Sicily on Wednesday afternoon.
Sea and Civil Protection Minister Nello Musumeci spoke of a 300% increase in migrant flows and said it was an “absolute emergency” that had put Italy’s infrastructure at risk. “We are talking about a phenomenon never seen in the past. The islands alone cannot deal with this state of emergency,”
The state of emergency would not solve the problem, the minister stressed. It required a responsible intervention by the European Union.
