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LIXIL announces updates environmental strategy

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Lixil Building

LIXIL Corporation, a pioneer in water and housing products, has announced its updated environmental strategy to enhance positive impact on the planet and society.

The strategy outlines how LIXIL will tackle key environmental issues – climate change mitigation and adaptation, water sustainability, and contributing to the realization of a circular economy.

In each of these three focus areas, the updated strategy sets out new mid-term targets across LIXIL’s operations, value chain and beyond, to expand the positive impact the company is having on environmental and social issues of the world. The company’s approach extends beyond the mitigation of risks and adaptation, but throughout its value chain; leveraging its expertise to change the way people live, today and tomorrow.

Kinya Seto, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LIXIL said: “As a purpose-driven organization, LIXIL is embedding ESG activities and commitments into our core business strategy, to ensure that we are having a positive impact and to strengthen our business over the long-term. Our updated environmental strategy is central to this approach, ensuring that we are aligned across our business to important environmental commitments, but also because it will allow us to capture new opportunities and manage risks.”

Demonstrating the company’s strengthened commitment to accelerate efforts for sustainable business practices from operations and in collaboration with business partners, LIXIL recently marked its third consecutive year on the Supplier Engagement Leaderboard and Water Security A List by the CDP, one of the founding partners of the SBTi.

Research shows that buildings accounts for around 28% of energy related carbon dioxide emissions, of which housing accounts for 17%. Energy efficiency and high-performance housing is an urgent issue to be tackled.

LIXIL has renewed its certification from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in line with its targets to cap global temperature increase at 1.5ºC compared to pre-industrial temperatures.

Aligned with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations, LIXIL has set approved targets in June 2022 for absolute GHG emissions reductions – from previously 30% to 50.4% for Scope 1&2 and 15% to 30% for Scope 3 by the fiscal year ending March 2031 from the fiscal year ended March 2019 base year.

In addition to Scope 1-3 targets, by FYE2026 LIXIL’s window product line-up ratio will become 100% high-performance for newly constructed homes and will continue to enhance technologies for improved energy efficiency, replacing existing windows and housing products in response to the growing renovation market.

LIXIL is introducing functional yet efficient solutions for end-users to reduce consumption of energy in both new and existing homes, driving impact for LIXIL and the environment – contributing to mitigation by enhancing the line-up of high-performance windows, doors and construction methods, and by energy saving water technologies such as faucets and toilets; while offering solutions such as shades, shutters, and storm doors designed to alleviate the effects of rising temperatures and heavy rainfall for adaptation.

On water sustainability, it was estimated that by 2050, it has been projected that 40% of the world’s population, will suffer from severe water depravation.

As the world’s leading water technology provider, LIXIL has set new targets that are focused on the social and environmental sustainability of water for future generations that are supported by its efforts to reduce, reuse, filter and improve accessibility to safer or better tasting water.

LIXIL will improve water use efficiency by 20% in its operations by FYE2031 and will reduce water usage at water-scarce business sites in accordance with TNFD.

Uchu Mukai, Chief Technology Officer and Chair of the Environmental Strategy Committee said “With the updated Environment Strategy, we want to reduce our CO2 (carbon dioxide) targets by evaluating our total emissions, including Scope 1, 2, and 3, protect water – one of the most precious resources – and focus on circular solutions that can have a positive impact on our planet; aiming at waste reduction from our facilities, resource efficiency, circularity throughout our products along the value chain. With the addition of Biodiversity as an interconnecting material issue, we believe that this strategy is an important step forward in addressing challenges and to have a positive impact on our business and the environment.”

Battle over late Asonaba Dapaah’s funeral continues unabated

By
RICHARD OWUSU-AKYAW
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Obaapanin Akua Mfum - the only surviving sibling of the mother of the late Asonaba Daapaah speaking to the media

The entire Asona Abusua of Yaa Boaduwaa  of Atwea, Agona Akrofonso, Ejura and Yaa Yeboaa Fie of Atwea, the senior and eldest widow, Madam Elizabeth Dapaah, the eight senior children and all members of the late Benjamin Asonaba Dapaah’s Paternal Family have backed out of the final funeral of the late Statesman.

Mr. Mathew Kumah, the acting head of the family, addressing the media at a news conference in Kumasi

At a news conference held in Kumasi recently, Obaapanin Akua Mfum, the only surviving sibling of the mother of the late Asonaba Daapaah, said she does not know anything about the funeral which is pending, stressing that no one informed her about it, and all that she hears and sees are aspersions and military intimidation.

Obaapanin Mfum told the media that she did not understand the circumstance under which her son died, but it had already happened. “I wanted the body to be brought home for a befitting funeral, but it never happened, so I do not know anything about the funeral, which is pending – no one has informed me about it, and all that I hear is about aspersions and military intimidation,” she said at the news conference.

Grace Dapaah, the second child of the late Benjamin Asonba Dapaah making a point at news conference

According to her, all what she said at the court had been rejected, and that she was very worried about this development. “I am not a happy person. They have to be careful about those who are parading themselves as family heads and the likes.”

Responding to a question, Akua Mfum noted that she had no hand in the funeral, hence, it must be stopped, adding, “Our names did not even appear on the obituary, and those that the children are claiming to be family members are not as such. I do not know them.”

In a message to the last four children of the late Asonaba Dapaah, the old lady asked them to be careful about what they were doing.

“Even if I am in penury, that is all that they have. Those that they have taken as their relatives say we aren’t part of them, and if you tell someone he is not part of you, can you take something from the person?” the worried mother of the late Asonaba Dapaah asked the media.

Madam Grace Dapaah, second child of the late Asonaba Dapaah, on her part, stated that she wanted Ghana and the whole world to hear that her Dad, who is the late Benjamin Asonaba Dapaah, had eleven children, out of which eight of them were the elders, with the remaining four belonging to the fourth wife, Rosemary Dapaah, the last wife their father married.

Grace pleaded with President Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, his Vice, to find out from Rosemary Dapaah why she was rejecting her mother, Elizabeth Dapaah, who had been in marriage with their late father for eighteen years before her father married Rosemary as his fourth wife.

Grace expressed worry over the way and manner they had been excluded from the burial of her late father, bemoaning that the same fate was being schematised by her younger siblings, as they staged the final funeral rites of her father.

The visibly worried daughter of the late Asonaba Dapaah asked Manhyia Palace and Jubilee House for an explanation if what was going on was acceptable  or not.

She also expressed worry about the parading of different people as family heads in organising the funeral.

According to Grace, those that her junior siblings were parading as family heads were never true, and that all what she knew was that Nana Akua Mfum was her grandmother, with Akwasi Kumah being her junior father.

She added that her aunties were Ama Dufie, Adwoa Achiaa, and Abrokwah, hence, she did not know anyone else.

Earlier, Mr. Mathew Kumah, acting Head of the Family, disclosed that the family was yet to perform the final funeral rites for the late Benjamin Asonaba.

He expressed worry about how the mortal remains of their royal was seized and whisk away from the family into a military ambulance at the cargo section of the Kotoka International Airport (KIA).

On June 16th, 2019, which was three days after the arrival of the corpse, the children of Madam Rosemary Dapaah were summoned before the Odikro of Atwea and his elders to explain their actions.

They pleaded for forgiveness and promised before the Odikro and elders of Atwea to deliver the body to the immediate family in a week’s time. According to Mr. Kumah, the immediate family had a wonderful relationship with the two surviving wives and all twelve children.

However, the circumstances occasioned by the uncustomary and non-traditional actions of the fourth or last wife and her four children informed their decisions as the bereaved immediate family.

Nevertheless, in a spirit of family bond, Kumah indicated that the family would always keep the late Asonaba Dapaah in their hearts .

“We shall continue to mourn our cherished Asonaba Dapaah in the spirit of the family, and in adherence and remembrance of our customs and ancestors.”

According to Mathew Kumah, it had never been the position of the family to dishonour their deceased relative who was loved by many. He said: “We wish to emphatically state that it has never been our intention to dishonour our son, brother, uncle, grandfather, and, above all, our own blood. Asonaba Dapaah, in his life, was a very lovely person.”

The late Statesman, according to the family, had a very peaceful and exemplary relationship with his entire family and all the children. The late Benjamin Asonaba Dapaah (Former Family Head of Yaa Boaduwaa/Ama Pokuaa Fie) left Ghana on April 16th, 2019, for a scheduled medical check-up in New York, USA, after which he  decided to visit his children in London on his return journey to Ghana.

However, he suffered a medical emergency on the flight and was thus admitted at the Charring Cross Hospital in London, where he finally passed away on May 21st, 2019.

He served as a Member of the Council of State in the erstwhile Kufuor administration, from 2001 to 2009. He was a Founding Member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The late Asonaba Dapaah was the Founding Patron of the NPP branch in France.

10 Ways to Stop a Bleeding Nose

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Nose bleeding

Let’s face it: There is never a convenient time to get a bloody nose.

They’re messy, make us stop what we’re doing and, frankly, can be a little scary. The fact that a bloody nose can happen to anyone at any time, especially during the cold, dry months of winter, does not make them any less shocking.

But know this: Nosebleeds are common. The good news is that nosebleeds are harmless for most people — and the tools you need to handle them are likely already in your home.

Typical causes of nosebleeds include dry climate, heated indoor air during winter months, steroid nasal sprays or direct injury to the nose. People who take blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) also are more likely to get a bloody nose.

No matter when or how your nose starts bleeding, these simple strategies can help:

Steps to stop a bloody nose

Keep calm. Bloody noses can be scary, but they are rarely dangerous.

Lean forward. If there is blood in your mouth, spit it out; do not swallow it.

Stay upright. Do not tilt your head back or lie flat. This may cause you to choke on blood. Blood in the stomach can make you sick to your stomach and cause vomiting.

Try a spray. Apply three sprays of decongestant nose spray, such as Afrin, into the side that is bleeding.

Skip foreign objects. Do not pack the nose with tissues or other household items like tampons. This can make the bleeding worse.

Use a pinch. Pinch the soft part of your nose shut for 10 minutes. Use a clock to keep track of time. Resist the urge to peek after a few minutes to see if your nose has stopped bleeding.

Observe and react. After 10 minutes, let go of your nose. If it is still bleeding, soak a cotton ball with the nose spray. Place the cotton ball into the bleeding nostril and pinch for 10 minutes. Again, use a clock to time it.

Check your blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause nosebleeds.

Take it easy. Once bleeding has stopped, do not blow your nose for two days.

Avoid exertion. It can take up to two full weeks to heal after a nosebleed. Do not lift anything heavy, such as groceries, or perform physical activities or household chores. Do not pick up young children and babies

Seek immediate medical help if you have:

Bleeding that does not stop in 30 minutes

Bleeding that is very heavy, pouring down the back of your throat and out the front of your nose

Bleeding accompanied by other symptoms, such as very high blood pressure, light-headedness, chest pain and/or rapid heart rate

Bleeding that occurs three to four times weekly or greater than six times per month

Preventing future bloody noses

Try these steps:

Learn more and view a video on stopping a nosebleed here.

how to prevent nosebleeds. 1 when the air dry try over-the-counter nasal saline spray. use it every two to three hours while awake. 2 employ a cool mist humidifier to humidify your room at night while you sleep. 3 coat the inside of your nostril with (Michigan Medicine)

Source: www.michiganmedicine.org

Feature: ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED? NOT SO CONTINUES

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Pastor David Leroy Matthews -Sozo Ministries, Ohio

The United States of America Pledge: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands. One Nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. The word “Pledge” in the Dictionary means: a formal Vow; a solemn promise. 2. The word or text of a formal vow. It has never been true in the United States! Before If a white man did not own land he could not vote.

Christopher Columbus and the other whites who came to America, ‘did the Native Americans have freedom and justice for all? I visited the Smith Sonian Museum in our nation’s capital, over the door was a sign that said, ‘The United States broke two thousand covenants with the Native Americans.

Did the slaves have liberty and justice?  I have been in three white churches that had a flag hanging from the ceilings. Former president Jimmy Carter was not for teaching Sunday school. A colored man, out of curiosity wanted to hear him teach, when he went, the whites put him out.

How many of you in other Nations who say they are a Democracy, with freedom and justice for all and they are not. 2nd Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. ‘The word world is the word Age, there is another Age coming another time.

’If its not a lie of Satan, why persecute those of us who want to serve our Saviour with our whole heart. There are many of us who want to see the LORD’S face in peace. We are glad that Jesus (Yashua) took on our sins at Calvary. Mark 9:42 And whosoever shall offend of these little ones, (the word offend) means to sin. That is a warning to LBQLGTBIA to leave that child in Sunday school alone.

Hebrews 1:1-141.

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? 6 And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:11 They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Any pastor or church leader, male or female who stands behind the pulpit as a representative of the Holy God, and is practicing PERVERSENESS.

The word of the Almighty God tells us that, He corrects His children, anyone who refused correction are bastards, and no son of His. LBQLGTBIA people, Jesus loved you so much that He paid the price for your freedom, perverseness. For anyone who missed last week’s article, we repeat: Isaiah 53: 1 Who hath believed our report?

And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? believed: to put faith in arm: a figure of speech meaning great strength and what was done by it. Lord: (Jehovah) God in covenant relationship with man; the Eternal, the Immutable One (unchanging one). He Who Was and Is and Is To Come 3. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted 3 esteemed: did not regard, value or think much of his work 4 borne: carried the punishment for our sins griefs: maladies, anxiety, calamities, diseases. malady means any disease or illness; especially a deep-seated or lingering disorder, mental or physical.

Calamity: means a state of deep distress or misery caused by major misfortune or loss, an extraordinarily grave event marked by great loss and lasting distress and affliction. sorrows: pain, judgment which was brought about by our sins. smitten: (smite) to strike severely, to slaughter God: Hebrew ELOHIM is God as Creator, He as the Living Word to create.

Revealed as the Lord Jesus in John 1:1-3, 10-14: “In the beginning was the Word, and the word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.” 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

5 wounded: pierced transgressions: rebellion, sin against lawful authority bruised: literally or figuratively, to beat into pieces, to break into pieces. Psalm 22:14-18: “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws: and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.

They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.” Iniquities: perverseness  Matthew 4:23: And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing (Strong’s 2323) all manner of sickness (Strong’s 3554) and all manner of disease (Strong’s 3119) among the people.

1. 3119 = malakia (mal-ak-ee-ah): from 3120, softness, i.e. enervation (debility): – disease 2. 3120 = malakos (mal-ak-os’); of uncert. aff.; soft, fine (clothing); fig. a catamite: – effeminate, soft. Webster’s II New Riverside University Dictionary Copyright 1984 by Houghton Mifflin Company catamite = a boy kept by a pederast pederast = lover of boys; one who engages in anal intercourse, esp. with a boy effeminate = to make feminine: 1. having qualities or characteristics more often associated with women than men; UNMANLY 2.

Marked by weakness and excessive refinement The World Book Dictionary Copyright 1985 by Doubleday catamite = n. a boy kept for unnatural purposes pederast = n. a person who engages in pederasty pederasty = n. the unnatural sexual union of males with males, especially of a man with a boy References: Matthew 9:35 Matthew 10:1 chastisement: correction peace: to feel safe because of your welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, rest safely, all is well, wholly well. healed:

Hebrew: raphah: to mend by stitching, to cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, thoroughly, make whole 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 6 iniquity: punishment for moral evil 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.

7 oppressed: hard pressed. afflicted: be in misery, extreme pain, distress opened not his mouth: idiom for silence and submission 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken 8 cut off:

As in Daniel 9:26—“And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people (Romans) of the prince (Antichrist) that shall come shall destroy the city (Jerusalem) and the sanctuary…” transgression: national, moral or religious rebellion 9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in this mouth.

9 wicked: the criminals 10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 10 bruise: beat to pieces grief: to make sick with grief soul: life.

The Greek word for soul is psuche. It is the only word translated soul in the New Testament (New Covenant). It is translated ‘soul’ 58 times, ‘life’ 40 times, ‘mind’ three times, ‘heart’ one time, ‘heartily’ one time, ‘us’ one time, and ‘you’ one time offering: a Hebrew word, asham, meaning the trespass offering.

It is a Levitical word, as in Leviticus 14:12—“And the priest shall take one he lamb, and offer him for a trespass offering.” 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. 11 soul: life iniquities: moral evil 12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

12 soul: life transgressors: those who break away from just authority, to apostatize, offend, rebel, revolt bare: a Levitical work referring to the Pentateuch, it means to carry away our sin, sickness, and pain as the scapegoat bore away the sins of the Old Covenant people into the wilderness, out from their camp. It further means to lift up, to bear away, to convey, or to remove to a distance.

Leviticus 16: 21-22—“And Aaron shall lay both His hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: and the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities into a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.” ISAIAH 52:14 As many were astonished at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: 14 visage: appearance form:

figure ISAIAH 12 1-4 And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee: though thou was angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. 4 Lord: Hebrew—Jah—He Who Always Was, He Who Is and He Who is to Come. IS THIS HATE SPEECH?

(To be continued).

By Pastor David Leroy Matthews of Sozo Ministries “Ohio”

Space Sponsored by Emmanuel Akwasi Adjei, Be Made Whole International Ministry

Email- bemadewholeministryint@gmail.com

Godwin Ablordey takes swipe at current Kotoko players

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Former Asante Kotoko star, Godwin Ablordey

Former Asante Kotoko star, Godwin Ablordey, has criticized the current crop of players at the club, stating that none of them would have made the team during their playing days.

Ablordey, who is now the assistant coach of King Faisal, made the comments in an interview with Akoma FM.

According to Ablordey, Kotoko currently lacks the quality of players they used to have in the past, such as Stephen Oduro and Jordan, among others.

He blamed the lack of quality players in the Ghana Premier League, saying that most players in other clubs are average, unlike during their time when most players were in the senior national teams.

“I won’t blame the current management for recruiting these average players because the league itself lacks quality. Most of the players playing in the other clubs are average ones unlike during our time when most of the players were in the senior national teams,” Ablordey said.

He went on to suggest that Kotoko should scout outside the shores of Ghana to recruit quality players, even though it is costly. Ablordey also urged the fans to support the team financially by attending matches so that management can recruit the kind of quality they are craving for.

“I’m sorry to say this, but none of the current Kotoko crop of players would have gotten a place in our team during our playing days,” Ablordey concluded.

Credit: ghanasoccernet.com

Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex to host MTN FA Cup semi-final games

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Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex

The semifinal matches of the 2022/23 MTN FA Cup competition will be held at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Abrankese, Kumasi.

Four teams have earned their spots in the last four of the tournament, having won their quarterfinal matches held at different venues over the weekend.

Dreams FC secured their spot in the semifinals with a 1-0 win over Legon Cities at the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu. Nsoatreman FC stunned Real Tamale United with a 1-0 win in the Northern region. King Faisal eliminated in-form Aduana Stars in a 3-1 penalty shootout, while Skyy FC won 2-1 against Cape Coast Ebusua Dwarfs in the last quarterfinal match.

The semifinals will see Dreams FC battle Skyy FC in the first match, while King Faisal will face Nsoatreman FC, the only other Premier League side remaining in the tournament. The matches will take place on May 13th and 14th, 2023.

The winner of the competition will represent Ghana in the CAF Confederations Cup in the coming season.

Credit: kickgh.com

Feature: COP Kofi Boakye – Out or In?

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Nkrabeah Effah-Dartey

The retirement of Commissioner of Police (COP) Nathaniel Kofi Boakye from the Ghana Police Service upon the attainment of 60 years reminds me of an interesting ‘event in the history of USA in the 1970s’.

COP Nathaniel Kofi Boakye

A certain Pastor of the Gospel was so bored with so much dishonesty in the reading of tributes to the dead that he organised his own funeral and published an advert that there would be a Funeral Service for him on a certain date, so all those who had “tributes” to say about him should attend that Service.

According to a “Reader’s digest publication of that story on the appointed date, this maverick Reverend Minister, in his white cassock, sat beside an open coffin in a pickup truck. And rode through the principal streets of the little community to the chapel where a “Funeral Service” was being held for him – what are you going to say about the man sitting there? “He was good” or bad”?

The last time I saw JJ Rawlings alive was at a strange Funeral Service at the Burma Camp Catholic Church, where the dead man, Col. Mensah Gbedemah, was so angry with tributes that he made it very clear before dying that there should be no tributes at his Funeral Service.

Reader, one of the most flamboyant Police Officers ever in our time, COP NATHANIEL KOFI BOAKYE, tall, very handsome, and full of energy has just turned 60 years, and by law he must go on retirement, so, I saw on television on a newscast about his final bowing out ceremony.

He is now COP Nathaniel Kofi Boakye (retired).

The first time I saw him was at the Accra Regional Police Headquarters, where I had gone as a private lawyer to get police enquiry bail for a client in 1999 or thereabouts. Kofi Boakye was then Superintendent Kofi Boakye, Regional Operations Officer at the Regional Headquarters.

Honest to God, I was impressed. He was in black overalls, ever ready, sitting behind his desk, giving instructions here and there, answering phone calls, his walkie talkie, wow!!!

Asking around I was told he held a university degree already – I said this man will go places.

Not long after he was promoted Chief Superintendent of Police, and, surprisingly appointed Greater Accra Regional Police Commander!!!

I came very close to him when I travelled to Berlin as Deputy Minister of the Interior to attend a security conference on the then upcoming World Cup, and several times, especially after dinner, my delegation of security officers would gather in the hotel lobby to talk about issues generally. He was then Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).

Not long after he became Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) and was sent to the Western Regional Police Headquarters as Regional Commander, where he left a legacy by building a fence wall around the building.

He was later moved to the Ashanti capital of Kumasi as Regional Commander, where, one day, it was reported in the news that at the Prempeh College entrance the Regional Commander got out of his convoy and gave a hot chase to an offending driver causing a major scene.

When I heard of the story, I remembered one night at the lobby in Berlin when one police officer said in the presence of Kofi Boakye and to his hearing that “Kofi is a successful Commander because he himself is ‘basa basa’,” – (reader, what is the appropriate English translation of this Akan word – BASA BASA – “difficult”, “unruly”, “disorganised” or what?

At the Police Headquarters there is no division he did not head – Administration, Police Intelligence & Professional Standards (PIPS), Legal – the man is a lawyer in addition!!!! In fact, for a long time he was a lecturer in criminal law in one of the Accra private universities!!!

For me, two critical comments have to be made about the retirement of COP Nathaniel Kofi Boakye at the age of 60.

First is the retirement age.

Why should a public servant be made to retire at age 60?  Even Supreme Court Judges retire at 70 (Which I think is too early – why not 75?) so why should public servants in the prime of their age and experience be made to retire at the relatively youthful age of 60 years and become a burden on society with pension?

The last time I saw Nathaniel Kofi Boakye was at the Funeral Service of former IGP CO Lamptey, and, looking at this smart looking seemingly forty something years old officer with his swagger stick, and you are telling me he is 60? Coming on retirement?

I honestly think we should do something about our retirement age – 60 is too early. Even 65 might be alright, but 60 – and you receive your pay thereafter till death at 90 something?

The second comment is that COP Nathaniel Kofi Boakye (retired) out of the Ghana Police Service, but what now? In coming running mates of a possible National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Mahama presidential candidate to create problems for the Akan votes, and possibly future NDC presidential candidate? Or a possible parliamentary candidate for the NPP in one of the Ashanti constituencies, a safe seat? Or to open his own law firm, Kofi Boakye and Associates, with excellence in Criminal Law?

All told, Kofi Boakye has paid his dues to Mother Ghana, but he is just too young to bow out in public life.

As a historian, I predict that the last is not heard of Kofi Boakye, yet. There is more anon.

Written by Nkrabeah Effah Dartey

Today’s Europa League Quarter-Final Fixtures& Previews

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admin
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Man United will be without the services of Marcus Rashford

Manchester Unitedwelcome Sevilla to Old Trafford

Manchester United will be bidding to claim a first-leg advantage when they welcome Sevilla to Old Trafford in the quarter-finals of the Europa League on Thursday night.

This is not the European competition that Man United will want to get used to operating in, with head coach Erik ten Hag having ambitions of taking the club back to the top of the Champions League tree, but the Europa League provides another chance to win some major silverware this season.

The Red Devils eliminated Barcelona in the Europa League knockout round playoffs before beating Real Betis 5-1 on aggregate in the round of 16; Sevilla are now standing between the English giants and another major European semi-final, and they have lost their last two games against the La Liga outfit, including in the semi-finals of the Europa League back in 2020.

Sevilla deserve respect due to their immense record in this competition, but it has been a poor campaign for the club, and we are finding it difficult to back them to pick up a positive result in this match. Man United’s superior quality should shine through to allow them to claim a strong first-leg advantage.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

Juventus, Sporting Lisbonslug it out in Turin

After both qualified for the Europa League quarter-finals in very different style, Serie A giants Juventus and Portuguese champions Sporting Lisbon meet in the first leg of their last-eight tie on Thursday.

Sporting Lisbon players

Sporting travel to Turin having overcome domestic travails to topple Premier League leaders Arsenal and progress on penalties, while Juve’s controversy-hit campaign continued with a more serene passage past Freiburg.

Since navigating their way into the quarter-finals, Juventus have experienced more mixed fortunes in a season bedevilled by setbacks on and off the pitch.

Nonetheless, they have still won 11 of their last 15 matches all told, and after beating Bundesliga overachievers Freiburg both home and away last month they have won each of their last three in Europe without conceding a single goal.

Sporting have failed to win any of their 15 games away to Italian sides in Europe throughout a long and illustrious history. Indeed, a tally of 11 defeats during that time sees precedent well and truly stacked against them on Thursday evening.

Masters of taking the lead and then grinding out a gritty victory, a well-drilled Juventus side can nullify Sporting’s lively attack and take a slim advantage with them to Lisbon next week.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

Feyenoord & Roma meet again inEuropa League quarters

Less than a year after they met in a close-fought continental final, Feyenoord and Roma convene again on Thursday for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie, at De Kuip. Having not lost in the league since November and crushed Shakhtar Donetsk 7-1 in their Europa League last-16 second leg a few weeks ago, the Rotterdammers are enjoying a prolonged purple patch – blotted only by their controversial KNVB Beker semi-final loss to arch-rivals Ajax last Wednesday.

Paulo Dybala, Roma

While the Serie A side came out on top in last term’s Europa Conference League decider, their in-form hosts are on course to become Eredivisie champions and are well-placed to take revenge.

Since losing 1-0 to Jose Mourinho‘s men in last May’s inaugural Conference League final, Feyenoord have gone from strength to strength despite inevitably losing players to richer clubs across Europe. While Feyenoord have had to shop around smartly to ensure losing the Conference League final did not bring the early end of an era, Roma recruited from the elite last summer.

Nearly 2,000 seats will be left empty for Thursday’s fixture as a result of subsequent safety measures.

Having scored 21 goals in their last six matches, Feyenoord can surely find the net at least once in front of their own fans; capitalising on Roma’s frailties outside the Italian capital. That could see the Rotterdam side take a slim lead into next week’s return leg.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

Promises by politicians; Mahama Speaks With Forked Tongue

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MAXWELL OFORI
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John Dramani Mahama

Former President John Mahama left his audience aghast yesterday, after promising them a number of things when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumes power in 2024. The former President, however, at the same time made a sudden U-turn to criticise politicians who make all kinds of promises to the electorate.

Whilst addressing party delegates at Akropong in the Eastern Region, Mr Mahama assured them that the next NDC government would give loans to them (NDC branch executives) to invest in their business.

He also promised that the next NDC government would employ party faithful with the necessary skills to enable them fend for their families.

He even went ahead to state that if the supporters do not have the requisite skills to be employed, the opportunity would be given to their children.

According to him, since they could not be paid salaries, the NDC government would ensure they are empowered by giving loans to them to work.

These promises were welcomed with huge cheers from the gathering, and at a point a man was seen carrying a cement block, which he placed under the feet of Mr Mahama.

“I have said it before that this is the period of empowerment for our grassroots executives. I won’t promise you that I can pay you… Every work that the government would bring, we will employ some of our executives. If you cannot do it, we will replace with your children. And those of you who can’t be employed but can be entrepreneurs, we will assist you to set up your own business so you can look after yourselves.” he said.

THE IRONY

Explaining the meaning of the cement block placed under his feet, Mr. Mahama claimed it was Ghanaians’ expression of disappointment in the Akufo-Addo government.

However, he said lessons should be learnt that those who make huge promises are not necessarily experts in governance, a statement which contradicts the earlier promise he made.

He continued in the Akan language that “there is a saying in politics that tell the electorates what they want to hear. So, promise even when you know you cannot fulfill it, for what is important is the power.”

EXEMPTION

Mr. Mahama, after saying this to the delegates, then exempted his party, saying the NDC was not raised like that.

“In 2008 I did not promise. 2012 I did not make any promise. In 2016, I did not make any promise. The promise I made was to work hard to transform Ghana. That was what I said.”

Mr. Mahama made mockery of the One District One Factory, One Village One Dam promises of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and opined that the NDC would not make such a promise.

Akufo-Addo opens Accra ‘World Book Capital’ April 24

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admin
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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, will, on April 24, 2023, perform the grand opening of the Accra World Book Capital, 2023, at the Accra Conference Centre.

Minister Adutwum addressing the media yesterday

In attendance at the event will will be an array of important international personalities including Members of the Diplomatic Community in Ghana, UNESCO Representatives in the Africa Region and its Paris headquarters, and Directors and Representatives of the United Nations Agencies home and abroad.

The others include Development Partners, City Mayors from the World Book Capital Network, and personalities from the International Publishers Association (IPA), the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), as well as the International Authors Forum (IAF).

Briefing the Press on Tuesday in Accra, the Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, mentioned the rationale of Accra World Book Capital and stated that in September 2021, the City of Accra was elected by UNESCO as the 2023 World Book Capital, following evaluation by the World Book Capital Advisory Committee.

He explained that Accra was selected ahead of other cities because the Education Ministry’s programmatic focus was on young people and their ability to contribute to the culture and wealth of Ghana through the power of reading.

Dr Adutwum stated that Accra, thus, became the fourth city in Africa to receive this title, making Accra part of the prestigious World Book Capital Cities Network and it is no doubt it is an acknowledgement of the giant strides Ghana and Africa are making to develop its books and creative arts industries.

The Education Minister used the occasion to congratulate the Inter-Ministerial Agency Committee led by the Ghana Book Development Council who put together the convincing dossier that won the nation the enviable title of hosting the World Book Capital 2023.

He appealed to the media to take a keen interest in the event with the necessary information about the year-long program of activities for sustainable communication, inform and educate the Ghanaian citizenry about the goals and aspirations of Accra World Book Capital, 2023.

The UNESCO country representative, Mr. Diallo Abdourahamane, enumerated the various benefits the nations stand to derive from hosting the event. He urged the teams to continue working hard towards the success of the event for the country and the rest of the world. The Mayor of Accra, Madam Elizabeth Naa Sackey, praised the committee for its role and pledged to support the successful hosting of the event.

Background

The concept of World Book Capital by UNESCO acknowledges the power of books and reading as cornerstones to a more inclusive, equitable, peaceful, and sustainable society. The Government of Ghana believing in this vision also recognizes the need to address barriers to equity and inclusivity in all aspects of societal life.

In education for example, several actions, including, making secondary education free, provision of more schools and STEM Centers across the country, developing adapted curricula at all levels, and improving the quality of teachers and the teaching profession are all efforts by the Government to guarantee a just and sustainable society.

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