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Iran players decline to sing national anthem, lose to England

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Saka celebrates along with Harry Kane
Iran players stood in silence as their national anthem played

Iran declined to sing their national anthem before their World Cup match with England in an apparent expression of support for anti-government protests in their home country.

Some fans shouted and jeered during the anthem. Iran boss Carlos Queiroz had said his players were “free to protest”.

There has been a fierce crackdown on protests in Iran sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini in September. The 22-year-old Amini was detained by morality police for allegedly breaking the strict rules around head coverings.

Meanwhile, England’s Fifa World Cup campaign opened in thoroughly convincing fashion as they outclassed Iran during an incident-packed match in Doha.

Gareth Southgate’s side strolled to victory, with Iran’s hopeless plight made worse by the early loss of goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand to concussion after a clash of heads with team-mate Majid Hosseini.

Jude Bellingham got England off the mark in this World Cup with a soaring header 10 minutes before the break and the game was wrapped up before half-time thanks to Bukayo Saka’s fine strike and Raheem Sterling’s classy volley with the outside of his foot from Harry Kane’s cross.

Saka got his second before Iran’s supporters were given a moment of real delight when Mehdi Taremi scored a fine goal after 65 minutes – but England substitute Marcus Rashford then netted another smooth, composed strike with his first involvement.

To put the gloss on an incredibly dominant display, Jack Grealish slotted home from close range after a good run and pull back by Callum Wilson.

Iran did pull another back in injury time when Taremi slotted in a penalty after a John Stones foul.

Credit: bbc.com

Ofori-Atta shoots down Minority argument and insists: Parliament Approved Payment  For Cathedral

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AGNES ANSAH
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Mr Ken Ofori-Atta leaving the committee after hours of sitting
Mr Ofori-Atta shaking hands with one of the MPs after being discharged by the committee

Contrary to claims by Minority Members of Parliament that funds for the construction of the National Cathedral were unconstitutionally drawn from the Consolidated Fund, Finance Minister, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, has indicated that Parliament gave approval for the withdrawal of those funds.

According to the Minister, the about GH¢400m was approved by Parliament under ‘Other Government Obligations’ which forms part of the Contingency Vault.

“…We certainly did receive parliamentary approval for whatever we do over contingency vault and that is what I went through to do that…under other government obligation and I believe I have the liberty at that point, ” Mr Ofori-Atta disclosed to the Ad hoc Committee hearing the censure motion against him by the proponents of the motion, the Minority in Parliament.

The censure was brought about, following accusations by the Minority that the Minister is the cause of the untold economic hardships on the people of Ghana.

According to the sponsors of the motion, who are being led by the Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister’s actions and inactions at the Finance Ministry is what has caused the depreciation of the cedi, high inflation, high fuel prices, high food prices and increasing debt stock in the country.

They, therefore, moved a motion of censure stating seven grounds upon which the Minister has run the country aground and for that matter should be removed from office.

The second ground upon which the Minister is being censured is the “unconstitutional withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund in blatant contravention of Article 178 of the 1992 Constitution supposedly for the construction of the President’s Cathedral.”

The disclosure about the money being sourced from the Contingency Vault under ‘Other Government Obligations’ was when the MP for North Tongu, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, sought to correct the Minister that the proponents of the motion never said the Minister withdrew any money from the contingency vault, but rather from the consolidated Fund.

This was after the Minister had noted in an earlier submission that withdrawals were made from the contingency vault and not contingency fund.

Mr Ablakwa: Hon Co-chairs I will begin my substantive question on the National Cathedral. I note from the Minister’s response that he appears to set his own parameters and proceed to answer them.

He says at page 6, item number 12, that “Hon. Co-Chairs, three days ago, when the proponents were here, they alleged that I had made payments from the Contingency Fund to support the National Cathedral. I want to state that this is just not true. Let me be categorical.

I have taken no money from the Contingency Fund to make payments for the National Cathedral. It appears the proponents have confused the Contingency Fund with the Contingency Vault. Let me explain. There is a difference between Contingency Fund and Contingency Vault.”

Co-chairs I have been going through the verbatim report of the proponents and I didn’t hear them say this. Mr Haruna Iddrisu said that “I would like to start with the National Cathedral.

Ghana is a much respected country where there is co-existence between both moslems and christians alike.

Nobody is against the president promising and honoring God with a cathedral for the expression of the Christian faith. But when public resources are used for that purpose, it makes us to call into question.

I just gave the clerk to the committee a warrant signed by the Minister for Finance for some amount for the cathedral and that is what you are holding.

I will tender it for evidence and say that we are aware that by the warrant signed by  Mr Ken Ofori-Atta on 29th October, 2022  an expenditure of GH¢42,762,500 was allocated for the construction of the cathedral. We want to know when parliamentary approval was granted for this purpose…”

Nowhere in this verbatim report did the proponent say that money was taken from the contingency vault or contingency fund.

The grounds are very clear …. I want to find out from the Minister where this matter of contingency fund and contingency vault is coming from because we don’t see that in the verbatim report.

Finance Minister responds

Finance Minister: Mr Chairman, the question here seems to suggest that there were unconstitutional withdrawals from the consolidated fund. So I went on to define the two different funds in which one might make a mistake and made it very clear that we did not go through the contingency fund and that we went through the contingency vault… It was very important that I drew that distinction.

…The MP (Mr Ablakwa) was saying that it was unconstitutional to have withdrawn proceeds from the consolidated fund and I was making it clear that whatever money that comes into the consolidated fund goes into a number of items that could be anything and in there contingency vote could be resources that we go into or contingency fund which we did not use. And so that rarely is my line of discussion.

Mr Patrick Boamah interjects

Mr Patrick Boamah, MP for Okaikoi Central, then posed a direct question to the Minister to respond to whether or not he made unconstitutional withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund to which the Minister responded ‘No’.

MrAblakwa continues with his questioning

Mr Ablakwa then asked the Minister to tell the committee how Parliament approved the money, if indeed his withdrawals were constitutional.

Mr Ablakwa: I have two withdrawal warrants here. Did you get any parliamentary approvals to proceed with these withdrawals in the 2020 budget and the 2022 budget. In 2020, you withdrew a GH¢142.7m and in 2022 you issued instructions to the Controller and Accountant General to withdraw GH¢25m.I have gone through the 2020 budget and the appropriation and I have gone through the 2022 budget and the appropriation and there are no such approvals. So if you contend that there were approvals can you help us with the basis for that contention?

Finance Minister: I get quiet nervous about the level of passion on the construction of the cathedral. We certainly did receive parliamentary approval for whatever we do over contingency vault and that is what I went through to do that.

Mr Ablakwa: Can you please help us with evidence of that approval?

Finance Minister: Under other government obligations and I believe I have the liberty at that point.

Mr Ablakwa: Honourable Co-chairs, I hold in my hand the appropriation for the respective years and I also have the report on office of government machinery for the years in issue; 2020 and 2022. Nowhere in their report to Parliament when they accounted for expenditure in those years did they report to the House. Can the Minister for Finance tell us why that happened because the practice is even if you come under contingency, you must report to the finance committee as you seek approval for the ensuing year.

Why was Parliament kept in the dark all these years… How is it that until we intercepted these documents, Parliament didn’t know at all that apparently public funds were going into the project contrary to the initial promises anyway?

Finance Minister: Honourable Co-chairs, it is rarely not a practice for a line by line reporting except under goods and services, etc. If it is a new approach that you would like to suggest I think we will consider it.

Mireku Duker calls for peace at Ahafo mines 

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another victim recuperating at the hospital
Mr Mireku-Duker visited one of the injured at the hospital

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines, George Mireku Duker has appealed to the youth of Kenyasi and the management, as well as staff of Newmont Ghana Ahafo Mines to bury the hatchet and allow peace to prevail.

According to him, both the mining company and community owe each other a fiduciary duty and that it was imperative that calmness is restored for them to enjoy the full benefit of the relationship.

Addressing the community and the management at separate meetings on Friday, November 18, 2022 the Deputy Minister urged the two parties to employ dialogue, as a means of settling their differences, warning that violence will only incur losses.

Detailing the purpose of his visit, George Mireku Duker explained that he was on a fact-finding mission to uncover the remote and immediate causes that resulted in the chaos and will submit his findings to the sector Minister, who will forward it to the security agencies for necessary actions to be taken.

Whiles describing the incident that led to the death of one resident as unfortunate, Mr Duker said the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources will collaborate with the community, Newmont and security agencies to ensure that whoever acted untowardly is dealt with and lasting peace is found.

The Deputy Minister, who visited the injured victims of the mayhem, expressed the sympathies of the Sector Minister, Samuel A. Jinapor and hoped that some useful lessons will be picked from the unfortunate incident.

He appealed to the traditional authorities to rally the youth and counsel them against violence and exercise restraint in their bid to strive for what they believe is due their community.

“On behalf of the government, I send my sincerest condolence and sympathies to everyone. The Police are investigating the issue and government will collaborate with them. We’ve visited those in the hospital and I will pass on the needed information to the relevant authorities to ensure that the right things are done.

“I will urge you all to exercise restraint and be in the known that we are not overlooking the issue. Government is keenly following matters and my presence here is to show that we are with you and concerned with all that is going on. Once again my condolences to the family of the bereaved,” he said.

In his engagement with Newmont Mining Limited, Mireku Duker advised them to cooperate with the security agencies to restore calm and ensure the safety of their staff.

He disclosed government’s willingness to create an enabling environment for the company and other licensed mining companies to thrive.

Mireku Duker remarked that management of the company should take steps to establish a harmonious relationship with the traditional authorities, so as to facilitate its smooth operation in the area.

On behalf of government, the Deputy Minister also visited the injured victims at the Hospital and expressed his warm felicitations, whiles assuring them of speedy recovery.

KOA admits: Yes, I failed to pay all the 5% revenue into DACF

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Mr. Ken Ofori-Attah, Finance Minister

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Ken Ofori-Attah, has conceded to his inability to fulfill the constitutional obligation of allocating 5% of Ghana’s revenue into the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).

Article 252 (2) of the 1992 Constitution states that “subject to the provisions of this Constitution, Parliament shall annually make provision for the allocation of not less than five percent of the total revenues of Ghana to the District Assemblies for development; and the amount shall be paid into the District Assemblies Common Fund in quarterly installments.”

But speaking to the Ad Hoc Committee in charge of hearing the Censure Motion against him, the Finance Minister admitted that he was able to pay only 1.74% out of the 5%.

The issue came up when the Co-Chairman of the committee, Dr. Dominic Ayine, Member of Parliament (MP) for Bolgatanga Central, questioned the Minister as to why he did not comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment in the Kpodo and Another v Attorney-General case.

It would be recalled that in 2017, two National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs, Mr. Benjamin Kpodo, MP, Ho Central, and Richard Quashigah, MP, Keta, who suspected the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, of manipulating funds set aside for the district assemblies, proceeded to the Supreme Court to ascertain what accounted for the total revenue.

According to them, the formula the Minister used for the calculation left the assemblies poorer, because revenues from petroleum and other taxes were not added to the total revenue.

In its judgment, the Supreme Court said that it was, first of all, unconstitutional for the government to cap the disbursement to the DACF at 5%, but, however, ordered the Minister to take steps to ensure that 5% of all revenues of the country went into the DACF account.

At Friday’s hearing, Dr. Ayine asked that “under the Constitution, in terms of the decision in Kpodo and the Attorney-General, you are supposed to pay the five per cent as defined into the District Assemblies Common Fund. Is that correct?”

Mr. Ofori-Atta responded in the affirmative.

Dr. Ayine then put it to the Minister that he paid only 1.74 % in 2021, to which the Minister again responded in the affirmative.

Dr. Ayine then described the Minister’s inability to meet the target as non-compliance with the financial and fiscal laws of the country.

But, Mr. Ofori-Atta put up a very strong defence indicating that even though the Ministry was not able to meet the amount, it does not amount to non-compliance, because the country was running a budget deficit.

“We have gone through very difficult times that you are all aware of. There are lots of other arrears that we are making do on daily basis to be able to make sure the country is running,” he said.

Background

The Parliamentary Ad-Hoc Committee on Censure was set-up by the Speaker to probe the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Minority Caucus’ Motion calling for a vote of censure against the Finance Minister for mismanagement of Ghana’s economy.

The Minority has accused the Mr Ofori-Atta of causing economic hardship in the country by his actions and inactions at the ministry.

The Minority said the high cost of living, high fuel prices, food prices, inflation, the depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi and the country’s huge debt stock was caused by Mr. Ofori-Atta hence the need for motion to remove him from office.

Below is the interraction that ensued between the Minister and Dr Ayine

Dr. Ayine: All right. My second question is in relation to the issue of fiscal recklessness. Would you agree with me that non-compliance with the statutes and the regulations relating to the financial sector generally points to fiscal recklessness? Would you? Non-compliance-

Mr. Ofori-Atta: Non-compliance with what?

Dr. Ayine: Non-compliance with the Public Financial Management Act and its regulations as well as the Fiscal Responsibility Act. Non-compliance.

Mr. Ofori-Atta: Well, I do not know what you are referencing and I am still trying to figure out the understanding of “recklessness”.

Dr. Ayine: So, the legal and regulatory framework for the management of the financial and fiscal resources of the state is there for a reason. They are there to constrain governmental action that results in losses to the State.

Mr. Ofori-Atta: I would imagine so.

Dr. Ayine: And I am saying that noncompliance is an indicator of fiscal recklessness.

Mr. Ofori-Atta: Non-compliance by who? Of what?

Dr. Ayine: Non-compliance by, let us say, a Minister of Finance or a Minister of State a that is indicative of fiscal recklessness.

Mr. Ofori-Atta: Well, I do not know because I have not evinced It-

Dr. Ayine: You have not what?

Mr. Ofori-Atta: I have not seen it. I have not evinced it.

Dr. Ayine: Have you read the Auditor General’s report?

Mr. Ofori-Atta: Certainly, I have.

Dr. Ayine: The Auditor-General’s report for 2021. Have you seen it? (Pause]

[Interruption]

It is a published document, it and it has been laid. Once it is laid, it becomes a it public document, so the fact that – [Interruption] – Yes, it is not final, but that does not mean that am disbarred from asking the Minister for Finance questions on it. [Pause]

All right, let me take it from another angle. Hon Minister for Finance, you are very well aware of the decision of the Supreme Court on Kpodo and the Attorney-General, are you not?

Mr. Addo Atuah: Mr. Cochair, this is indeed a legal question, and I was wondering if the Hon Minister would be in a position to answer such a question.

Mr. Hammond: I have been quiet because of what it relates to. That case is notorious for what it relates to so I was wondering whether we should give him the chance to answer whether he is it aware it has been brought to the legal people’s attention or it has not. We are happy to hear from him.

Dr. Ayine: In fact, personally wrote to the Minister for Finance and attached a copy of the judgement in Kpodo and the Attorney-General.

Mr. Ofori-Atta: So then what is the point of the question? Whether I read your letter?

Dr. Ayine: No, not at all. The point of the question is about non-compliance with the decision and the Constitution, with respect to the per cent total revenue of Ghana that is to be paid to the District Assemblies Common Fund. [Interruption]

Hon Minister for Finance, are you aware of the decision of the Supreme Court in Kpodo and the Attorney-General?

Mr. Ofori-Atta: Yes, Mr. Cochair.

Dr. Ayine: Very well. And you are aware that in that decision, the Supreme Court ruled in relation to the definition of total revenues of Ghana. Are you not?

Mr. Ofori-Atta: I am aware. Mr Chairman.

Dr. Ayine: And under the Constitution, in terms of the decision in Kpodo and the Attorney-General, you are supposed to pay the five per cent as defined into the District Assemblies Common Fund. Is that correct?

Mr. Ofori-Atta: That is correct. Mr Chairman.

Dr Ayine: Not 5 less than 5 per cent of the total revenues of Ghana.

Mr. Ofori-Atta: I see you are being helped by the people on our side. [Laughter]

Dr Ayine: No.

Mr. Ofori-Atta: Thank you very much. Mr. Cochair, there are two distinct issues: there is the awareness when the judgement came, and we changed therefore, the calculation of how we ensure that the total revenue is calculated. And if you see the figures that we then commit to allocate, it is within that bracket.

Now, whether because of financial constraint, we are able to fulfil them, it is another issue. So whether you are talking about arrears or whether you are talking about compliance, that is a very different question, so I would like to know.

Dr. Ayine: Well, in 2021, you did only 1.74 per cent.

Mr. Ofori-Atta: Yes. It does not mean that we did not comply –

Dr .Ayine: That is non-compliance.

Mr. Ofori-Atta: We were not able to meet the amount.

Mr. Cochair we are running a budget deficit. We have gone through very difficult times that you are all aware of. There are lots of other arrears that we are making do on daily basis to be able to make sure the country is running. So the fact that that amount of resource has not been brought to DACF does not mean that we are not committed to complying with the Supreme Court ruling.

Dr. Avine: Yes. All right. Hon Minister, I have in my –

Mr. Hammond: I think my Hon Colleague has finished with that. But Hon Minister

– [Interruption]

Dr. Ayine: So Hon Minister, I have here the PIAC Newsletter of issue numbered 2, July to December, 2022 – [Interruption] – I am entitled to refer to published documents in laying the basis for my question.

Mr. Hammond: Mr. Cochairman, before you put the question, this is in relation to which count?

Dr. Ayine: Non-compliance with the financial and fiscal laws of the country.

Mr. Hammond: Non-compliance. Could we go back to the charge sheet? Well, we do have charge sheet, actually.

Dr. Ayine: It says that:

“For the first time since Ghana started receiving petroleum revenue in 2011, the DACF received an amount of GHC32.380,403.91, following the 2019 decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Kpodo vs The Attorney-General. However, the disbursement made was 1.74 percent of the ABFA instead of the 5 percent specified in the Supreme Court judgement.

Is that correct?

Mr. Ofori-Atta: Mr. Cochair, I do not know that am getting through with the answer have categorically said that we know of that, and therefore, if you look at the budget, the treatment will show you the equivalent of 5 per cent, and that is a fact. The question is whether we have the resources to be able to comply.

Dr. Ayine: Well, the resource envelope does not matter. What matters is whether you are complying with the percentage, so that if you have a resource envelope, you should still be able to do not less than 5 per cent of that for purposes of complying with Kpodo vs the Attorney-General. That is the point that I am driving at. Anyway, Cochair, I think I am done.

Mr. Hammond: Hon Minister. thank you very much. My Hon Colleagues says it is all right. Let us put on record: you have been a Finance Minister for about six years now.

The constitutional provision has been in place since 1993. Do some recollection for us; you can or you cannot, but do your best. As far as you can recall, do you know any Minister for Finance who has been able to comply with the spirit and letter of this particular provision

Dr .Ayine: No, this question

Mr. Hammond: You have already overruled me you will not overrule me. I am asking my question.

Dr. Ayine: Clerk, the question is disallowed.

Mr. Hammond: Let me finish. When am finished you would make your comment. would let you make your comment. – [Uproar] – may we have some sanity please! Order! Calm down. Nobody will push me from the question I am-

Dr. Ayine: Hon K.T. Hammond. When you were on the floor on your question, I did not interrupt you gave you the space.

Mr. Hammond: Cochairman, you have actually interrupted me. You said you finished, we thanked you. My question is: as far as you know, is there any Minister for Finance who has been able to comply with this particular provision? It is yes or no. When I am done and you want to make whatever point, it is up to you.

Who is going to call a point of order on the Chairman? – [Laughter] – Can you answer Hon Minister? – [Interruption]

Hon Ablakwa, you repeated this. There is another provision in the Standing Order. When there is an issue to which an answer has been given, the Standing Order says you cannot repeat that question. You have drawn Standing Order 200 to our attention, you have been overruled two times, yet you have still raising it. You have been overruled 10.000 times.

[Laughter]

Hon. Minister?

Mr. Ofori-Atta: Cochair, I really do not know of any Minister for Finance

Mr. Hammond: Difficult for Ministers for Finance to handle that. Thank you very much Hon Minister.

Mr. Ablakwa we know the case. We know the case of Kpodo, Quashigah and all of that.

It is not antecedence.

Dr Ayine: Who was the finance minister in 2019?

Mr. Ablakwa: Hon Chair, with all due respect, the Supreme Court decision is a recent decision. What is the relevance in going to find out if Ministers for Finance since 1992 complied with a 2019 decision?

Mr. Hammond: You are completely out of order.

Dr. Ayine: Order!

Mr. Hammond: Hon Minister for Finance, thank you very much. Hon Colleagues, thank you. My Hon Colleague and I are done with our questions, and Hon Members are done with their questions. It is up to you.

We’ll ward off Terrorists from mines –Kan Dapaa

By
AGNES ANSAH
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Mr Albert Kan Dapaa, National Security Minister
Some dignitaries and media personnel at the4 briefing

The Minister for National Security, Mr Albert Kan Dapaah, has indicated that his outfit is very keen on combating illegal mining because terrorists are attracted to mining areas.

Minister Kan Dapaah said illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is one of the easiest avenue these extremist explore to fund their nefarious activities, hence their likeness for such areas.

He said his absoluteness about the issue is based on experiences in Mali and Burkina Faso where extremists have taken over parts of the country, with illegal mining activities taking dominance.

He, however, assured that his Ministry is working round the clock to ensure that the country does not suffer the same fate as that of Mali and Burkina Faso.

“In Mali and Burkina Faso, the terrorists have always been attracted to gold mining areas. Clearly, they try to make money from gold mining activities to undertake the criminal activities that they do. The criminals want to take advantage of galamsey activities and also to raise money to do what they do in other countries, and what they have been planning to do in our country.

“…We are working hard to make sure that we are not overtaken by events. But clearly, one way that can bring cheap money to go and undertake some of these criminal activities is galamsey, so it is of interest to us,” Mr Kan Dapaa said.

He made the comments yesterday while briefing the Media on the ongoing conferences being held in the Capital Accra with regards to the Accra Initiative.

The Accra Initiative is a group of seven West African countries; namely Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Mali and Niger who have come together to collaborate against violent extremism in the region.

When established in 2017, Mali and Niger were only observer countries, until 2019 when they became full members. Nigeria will soon be the new addition, as its status as observer country will change.

Speaking yesterday, the Minister noted that the threats of terrorism through galamsey, economic crisis, governance issues and many others are the reason why the group is convening series of meetings in the capital to enable them achieve the cardinal object of the Initiative; strengthen operational collaboration between member states, including preventing terrorists from taking refuge in members states, dismantle terrorist network and prevent the expansion of their activities and combat radicalisation and fight against trans-national organised crime.

He made mention of a ministerial level conference which will bring together ministers of security, defence and foreign affairs to enable them jaw-jaw and come up with recommendations and solutions that would help chart the path to salvaging  the situation.

Aside that, there will also be a summit of heads of state and government of member states and Mr Kan Dapaa was hopeful that the recommendations from these interactions will go a long way to help the group achieve their aim.

He said his optimism stems from the already non state actors conference which was held last Thursday and Friday at the Accra International Conference Centre, where the over 200 participants from international organisations, academia, think-tanks, security actors and diplomatic corps held discussions and came out with some far-reaching recommendations to fight crime.

Yesterday’s briefing was attended by Minister for Information, Mr Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Leader of the Planning Committee Members of the Accra Initiative, Major General Emmanuel Kotia, Executive Secretary, Accra Initiative, Mr Ben Dere, Ghana’s Ambassador to Belgium, Ambassador, Ambassador Sena Siaw, EU Ambassador to Ghana, Ambassador Irchad Razaaly and a few others.

Businessman jailed 3 years over recruitment scam

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Court

An Accra Circuit Court, presided over Patricia Amponsah has jailed Samuel Boakye, 55, three years imprisonment  for demanding and collecting a total amount of GH¢4,600.00 from some members of society, under the pretence of facilitating their enlistment into the various security services.

Boakye was given a custodial sentence on Thursday, November 16, 2022 after his guilty plea to three counts of defrauding by false pretences. The judgement day was also the convict’s first time of appearing before the court.

Brief facts

According to Inspector Rosemond Anyare (police prosecutor),  the complainants in the case are; Dumedah Seftsofia Junior, Elizabeth Mensah and Constance Otuo Acheampong, all residents of Accra, while the convict is a self-styled businessman who lives at Circle Neoplan.

She said somewhere in the year 2020, a witness in the case, by name Enyonam Gertrude Amegah met the convict at Kwame Nkrumah Circle and they subsequently became friends.

In the course of time, the convict asked the witness if she has a son or relative who was interested in joining any of the security services and that he had somebody who has influence and is ready to assist in that regard.

Mrs Amponsah was told that upon the receipt of the assurance, the witness circulated the information to her relatives back in the Volta Region and Accra, as well as gave Boakye’s contact number to the complainants to deal with him directly.

The convict demanded and collected cash sum of GH¢700.00 from Dumefah Setsofia Junior, GH¢1,950 from Elizabeth Mensa and GH¢1,950 from Constance Otuo Acheampong to assist in their enlistment into the Ghana Police service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Immigration Service and Ghana Customs.

“But after collecting the monies from the complainants, he failed to deliver on his promise and went into hiding,” the court was told.

However, the witness, on November 17, 2022 spotted the convict at Kwame Nkrumah Circle and caused his arrest.

The convict was handed over to the Adabraka Police for investigation and during interrogation, he admitted to the offence, but further stated that he gave the said amount to one Ansong to facilitate the process.

Meanwhile, he could not assist police to arrest the said Ansong.

NSA Boss sues two petitioners for defamation

By
SEBASTIAN R. FREIKU
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Prof Peter Twumasi, Director General - National Sports Authority

The Director-General of the National Sport Authority (NSA), Prof Peter Twumasi has initiated a legal suit in which he is demanding GH¢4,000,000 in damage against two staff of the Sports  agency, which he heads.

He claims that Kwame Baa Mensah and Edmond Appiah, the defendants, had defamed him (plaintiff), when they (defendants) signed a petition to the NSA Board Chairman, asking the NSA boss to step aside for investigations into his conduct as Director-General of NSA.

The defendants had accused Prof Peter Twumasi of poor leadership, misuse of state resources, receipt of double salaries, procurement breaches, conflict of interest in the award of contracts, abuse of office and award of contracts to ghost and non-existing Companies.

Following these allegations, the plaintiff is claiming seven separate reliefs based on his conviction that the publication of the petition is malicious and a reckless attempt to soil his reputation.

The suit, filed before an Accra High Court by Fidato and  Leale PRUC, an Accra-based law firm, is seeking a sum of GH¢4,000,000 in damages for the defamatory statement recklessly and maliciously published by the defendants in the letter dated June 20, 2022; aggravated and exemplary damages for the reckless and malicious publication of the said letter; compensatory damages for the reckless and malicious publication of the said letter, a retraction and unqualified apology by the defendants with the same prominence and circulation as the publication of the said letter.

The plaintiff is also seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their agents assigns, workmen, principals, servants assigns, allies or anyone claiming through or

under them or upon their instructions, directions or support from further publication of any further false derogatory, disparaging and or defamatory allegations and materials against the plaintiff.

Among the reliefs is the claim for payment of all expenses and costs associated with and incurred by the plaintiff in the suit including lawyer fees.

Canadian ‘Borga’ drags baby-mama to court over GH¢350k

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Gavel (Court Hammer)

A Ghanaian businessman domiciled in Canada, Kwabena Appiah Brenya, has pressed a criminal charge against his baby-mama, Charity Frimpong, 38, for allegedly defrauding him off GH¢350,000.00.

Charity has currently been granted bail in the sum of GH¢200,000.00 with two sureties, of which one should be justified by landed property.

The businessman’s baby-mama was arraigned on one count of defrauding by false pretence last week Thursday at an Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Adelaide Abui Keddy.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and was ordered to attend court on December 12, 2022.

Charity’s charge was read to the court by the police prosecuting officer, Chief Inspector Maxwell Ayim, who described the parties in the case as friends with benefits.

Brief facts

C/Ins Ayim, presenting the case, said while Mr Brenya (complainant) is a Ghanaian domiciled in North America, Canada, the accused is a trader residing at Mile ‘7’ in Accra.

According to him, although the complainant and accused claim to be friends, they have a child together.

He said somewhere in March 2022, the complainant shipped two cars – Honda CRV 2020 model – to the accused to clear and sell on his behalf, after which the proceeds should be deposited with his nephew, Evans Kwame Kwarteng.

The prosecutor alleged that the accused, after selling the cars at a total sum of GH¢350,000.00, failed to do just as the complainant has instructed.

The accused allegedly sealed her failure to give the money to the complainant’s nephew with the excuse that she bought Treasury Bill with the proceeds.

However, he indicated that when the complainant returned to Ghana and demanded the money, the accused led him to Ecobank, Dome branch, where a teller disclosed to him that Charity bought the Treasure Bill, but it would mature in five working days.

Interestingly, after the maturity day, the accused again failed to give the money to the complainant, and based on this, a complaint was lodged with the Accra Regional Police CID, resulting in Charity’s arrest on October 31.

The court was told that the accused admitted the offence, but stated that she used the money to purchase water and drinks to be sold in her shop.

After the investigation, the accused was charged with the offence and put before the honourable court.

Editorial: Russian attacks on Ukraine energy facilities must be condemned!

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THE CHRONICLE
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Editorial

In February, this year, the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine in what President Vladimir Putin described as a “special military operation” aiming at “demilitarisation” of Ukraine. Hundreds of tanks were deployed across the border into Ukraine, with the sole aim of seizing the capital, Kyiv.

The world has not been told about any justifiable reasons why Putin and his troops have moved to attack their former Soviet Union member.

It is, however, being speculated that Putin is not happy with the moves being allegedly made by Ukraine to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), the sworn enemy of Russia.

Moscow is, therefore, trying to use her military might to thwart such a move by Ukraine and ensure that NATO arsenals does not come close to her borders.

It, however, appears that Putin has met his waterloo in Ukraine. After failing to seize Kyiv in the initial stages of the war, he is also losing grounds in some key towns and villages Russia had earlier seized.

Not even what the western countries described a ‘sham referendum’ in areas she occupies and annexing it as part of the Russian Federation could stop the Ukraine army from pushing and recapturing their territories.

Now, having realised that it is losing at the battle front, Russian has now resorted to the firing of cruise missiles targeting key infrastructure in Ukraine.

Among these targets are plants in the Ukrainian energy sector. Over the past weeks, Russian bombs have hit and destroyed sources where energy is generated and supplied to the Ukrainian population.

Apparently, Russia wants to punish Ukraine so that they will not have electricity during the winter season.

This development is very worrying and The Chronicle is surprised that both the United Nations and western countries have sat aloof for this to happen.

What Russia is doing could be more dangerous than firing a weapon of mass destruction. Because Ukraine is not far away from the Arctic Circle, temperatures in that part of the world are always very low during this period of the year.

The only way the people can survive the winter is through the heating of their rooms to keep themselves warm.

Now with bombs dropping on facilities that provide them with the energy to heat their rooms and homes, the probability of people freezing to death cannot be ruled out.

This is the reason why we are worried that the UN, which is mandated to ensure peace in this our troubled world, is not doing anything to rein in Russian.

NATO members have also remained quite when their opponent appears to have taken the decision to annihilate Ukrainians from the surface of the earth.

The Chronicle is not calling on NATO to declare war on Russia – no, that will lead to destruction of this world. What we are rather calling for is for NATO members to also mount pressure on Russia to stop the indirect killings of Ukraine civilians, who have obviously not committed any crime against Russia.

It is inhumane to deny the people the right to heat their homes in order to survive the winter, just because Russian has the air superiority and can, therefore, do whatever she wants to do.

We hope those who have the ears have listened to us and will join hands with us to mount pressure on Russia to stop bombing energy facilities in Ukraine.

Tepamanhene encourages parents to make ward’s education a priority

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admin
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Tepahene (seated middle) flanked by his elders

Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem I, Tepamanhene, has urged parents to prioritise the education of their wards and take keen interest in their studies to become responsible adults in the future.

According to him, any parents who denied their wards better education risked disappointing their future, and stressed that the only legacy parents could give to their children was to invest in their education.

The Paramount Chief of Tepa was speaking at a fundraising ceremony at Hwibaa in the Ahafo Ano South West Municipality in aid of a kindergarten block for the community.

The theme for the fundraising was: “A sustainable development of My Community: A sole responsibility for all”.

He commended the Akwamuhene and Assembly Member of the community for initiating the project, described as laudable, which, he hoped, would go a long way to serve the community and children unborn.

Nana Atwenewaa Ampem stressed that the government alone could not provide all the facilities, hence, the need for stakeholders in the community to complement efforts of the government towards the promotion of education.

The Tepamanhene donated an amount of GH¢5,000.00 for the commencement of the project.

Professor Peter Twumasi, Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), expressed gratitude for the laudable project initiated to improve the standard of education in the community.

According to him, the project would offer a competitive advantage in terms of school infrastructural facilities to the residents, and entreated the community to rally behind the government to make education more accessible.

Professor Twumasi donated an amount of GH¢2,000.00 in support of the project, besides a promise to foot the cost of labour on the project site.

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