Home Blog Page 2710

Editorial: Police response to hoax stories commendable

By
THE CHRONICLE
-
0
Editorial

The work of the security agencies, particularly the Ghana Police Service, in fighting crime is not enviable, especially with the advent of the social media, which operates with the speed of light, coupled with the never-ending calamity of hoax stories.

The state agency in charge of internal safety, for some years now, has managed to penetrate and gain relevance on the internet to stay in touch with the citizenry, a situation which, hitherto, was not the case.

The public is informed about activities of the police, including arrest of lawbreakers, and education on security issues through the media.

Aside from that, the Ghana Police is quick to respond to what may seem as misinformation pertaining to an active investigation or lawful processes into cases of public interest in their abode.

The Chronicle is, therefore, impressed with the pace at which the office of the men and women in black keep the public in the know.

We are in awe, because social media does not deal with time or location, as would the traditional media, where information is given according to schedules.

On Thursday last week, we reported the cruel murder of a 25-year-old, Georgina Asor Botchwey, a nursing trainee, at Mankessim in the Central Region.

Her body was exhumed at the residence of Christopher Ekow Clarke, Tufuhene of Akwakrom, a suburb of Mankessim, after he and another alleged accomplice, Michael Darko, a pastor, allegedly conspired to kill the lady.

A police statement posted on their social media platforms said the two were arrested through a targeted intelligence investigation, after the deceased had gone missing for some weeks.

The police informed the public that Michael Darko, boyfriend of the sister of the deceased, was arrested, as Asor was last seen with him.

Michael then led the police to the residence of the Chief, where the two had buried the lady, after allegedly killing her.

The Thursday, September 22, 2022 release by the police concluded that the two accused were arraigned before the District Court II in Cape Coast, and had been remanded into police custody that day, to reappear before the court on Tuesday, October 4.

Shockingly, however, news broke over the weekend of the alleged death of the Chief in whose residence the deceased was buried.

The report, which was published on the online portal of a media house, did not name its source, but said the Chief was said to have taken in “some poisonous substance when he realised his arrest was imminent. Nana Clarke, it said, gave up the ghost Saturday afternoon.

Swiftly, the police updated their online platforms with a brief which debunked the earlier report of the death of one of the suspects.

According to the police the report was false, and that the two suspects were alive and in custody, and urged the public to treat the report with the contempt it deserved.

Considering the huge interest the public had developed on this barbaric act, it would have been weird to hear of the death of the Chief.

In any case, if the information was true, it would have been pregnant with hosts of questions for the police to answer on the back of their last Thursday’s statement.

The fake news said the Chief drank poison before he was arrested. Knowing how poison works, it would have been very surprising that he did not exhibit signs of un-wellness when arrested to face the court, and the subsequent remand on Thursday, only to be informed on Saturday, two days after his arrest, that he had died of poison.

Or that the police chose to hide such important information from the public.

The Chronicle would like to applaud the police for promptly responding to the fake news and giving clarification.

Acts like these are very essential in fighting crimes in this era of fake news, which now thrives effectively and quickly with the advent of social media.

We are not in any way closing our lenses on other state institutions taking advantage of their social media platforms to share information with the public.

However, we believe those institutions would spare us a moment to hail the Ghana Police Service on this particular issue.

We cannot also say that all public institutions are doing well with information sharing. The lack of it creates unnecessary suspicions and speculations and they must turn a new leaf.

Otumfuo’s Wirempehene supports alma mater with 100 bags of cement

By
ERNEST BEST ANANE
-
0
Nana Opia Mensah donating the cement
The bags of cement on display

Nana Opia Mensah II, Otumfuo’s Wirempehene, has donated 100 bags of cement towards the refurbishment of the Roman Catholic (R/C) Basic School at Manso Agroyesum in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region.

According to him, the school building, which was constructed about 100 years ago, had not seen any major renovation, hence, his small contribution as an old student to provide a conducive environment to promote teaching and learning in the community.

Nana Opia Mensah stated that being the first school to be established in the district, there was the need to help renovate the facility, which had produced a lot of scholars.

Nana Tabi Agyaben II, Chief of Manso Agroyesum, commended Nana Opia Mensah for the support and efforts towards the renovation of the school block.

Tepa Nursing/Midwifery College cries for tutors, infrastructural expansion

By
ERNEST BEST ANANE
-
0
Albert Opoku, Principal - Tepa Nursing and Midwifery Training College

The Tepa Nursing and Midwifery Training College is in dire need of additional tutors and infrastructural expansion for excellent academic work.

The school runs three programmes, which includes General Nursing, Midwifery and Health Assistants in the Ahafo Ano North Municipality, but faces the problem of adequate teaching staff.

Mr. Albert Opoku, Principal of the College, explained that the institution, with a population of 1,200, was now one of the best in the country on two campuses at Tepa and Anyinasuso.

Principal Opoku said four of the tutors had left to seek greener pastures, and study are also leaving, contributing to the current challenges, hence, the need for more qualified tutors under the Ghana Tertiary Council and Nurses and Midwifery standards to enable the institution start a degree programme within two years.

He disclosed that the Ministry of Health was putting measures in place to upgrade the College to Tertiary level.

Mr. Opoku stated that the college needed emergency nursing, pharmacology and anatomy physiologists with higher grades at the masters’ level to enhance administration of drugs, prescriptions, and dispensing.

The Principal also mentioned infrastructural expansion, in terms of classrooms, students’ hostels, and tutors’ bungalows as some challenges affecting effective teaching and learning.

He added that the school was in need of some recreational facilities that would also contribute to academic excellence, as well as an improved means of transport to move the students to and from the two campuses, especially during clinical or practical programmes.

NSA Boss donates educational materials to BECE candidates

By
ERNEST BEST ANANE
-
0
Prof. Twumasi presenting the materials to the Education Director

Professor Peter Twumasi, Director General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), has donated educational materials to the Ahafo Ano South West (AASW) District Education Directorate.

The items, estimated to cost about GH¢17,000, included 1,100 mathematical sets for all Basic Entrance Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates in the District, and 100 pieces of memories of Prof Twumasi and family titled “Rising from the Farmhouse” to all school libraries in the Ahafo Ano South West District.

The gesture is a way of giving back to society, having had received all his basic education, starting from Abodease L/A Primary School, Pewodie Middle School up to form two, and finally at Anyinasuso Junior High School pioneering class of 1990 to become a Professor.

According to him, he considers education as most reliable tool available to provide livelihoods for children, as well as developing communities, hence, the establishment of the Prof Twumasi Project Center to support all the 2022 BECE.

He said the Prof Twumasi Project Center would support development in the District, not only in the area of education, but in agro-industry, health, sports, technology transfer and training, and environment, and that it was expected to be extended to other communities in the District, while urging the general public to visit the offices to access various services provided by the Center.

The Twumasi Project Centre has also set up a GH¢21,000 student scholarship and teachers motivational awards in three categories to create competitiveness in this year’s BECE.

They are BECE Academic Excellence Award, which carries  a package of GH¢2,000, books and certificates for three candidates; Best Performing Male and Female Teacher Awards, which  goes with GH¢1,000, a laptop, and a certificate each, and the Overall Best BECE Performing School, with a prize of GH¢3,000 and a plaque.

The District Director of Education, Alfred Opoku Boateng, received the items on behalf of the beneficiary schools and students.

He noted that the donation had come at the right time to help the BECE candidates in their exams.

Nana Adu Pako, Akwamuhene of Mankranso, commended Professor Twumasi for the kind gesture to the future leaders of the District, and pleaded with him to put up an Astro Turf football pitch for the youth in the area.

Cocoa freight rates up 5%, bulk shipment 10% 

By
admin
-
0
Cocoa freight rates

The Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC), Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) and 18 shipping lines have agreed to increase basic freight rates for the 2022/2023 cocoa season to all destinations, except the United Kingdom (UK).

As a result, basic freight for containerised shipments to all destinations except the UK has been increased by 5 percent, and basic freight for mega bulk shipments to all destinations except the UK has also been increased by 10 percent.

In addition, Bunker (Fuel) Adjustment Factor (BAF) to all destinations except the UK has been increased by 2 percentage points, from 28 – 30 percent. These were reached after a marathon meeting at this year’s Cocoa Freight Negotiation Conference, held at the Hilton Sorrento Palace, Sorrento, Italy, on September 20, 2022.

This means the rate, calculated per tonne, for shippinga commodity to the various locations across the world currently stands at £31.50 to the United Kingdom (UK) for both bagged and bulk; to the Northern Continent €54.02 for bagged and €56.60 for bulk; to Estonia €61.74 for bagged and €64.70 for bulk; to Mediterranean Europe €60.64 for bagged and €63.53 for bulk; to the Far East US$100.44/106.09 for bagged and to Brazil US$116.24 for bagged and US$121.78 for bulk.

The reasons that resulted in the decision predominantly were events in the global shipping market, which include increasing charter rates, container shortage and rising bunker prices.

Also, the consideration of the need to keep a competitive freight rate for Ghana’s cocoa, especially in the light of competition from neighbouring countries played a role.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Ms.Benonita Bismarck,  used the occasion to acknowledge the cooperation and support of the shipping lines who have kept faith with the nation by promoting trade and serving as trusted conduits between the Cocoa Marketing Company and the buyers for the international transportation of Ghana’s cocoa.

Managing Director of the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC), Vincent Okyere Akomeah, was confident that the agreed rates will be a win-win for the government and the shipping lines. He said the move would help to save the government substantial revenue as the shipping lines would get good and reliable business. He was optimistic of a good cocoa year with the help of key stakeholders such as the GSA, the shipping lines, buyers and insurers, among others.

Some of the shipping lines who were present at the conference to agree on prices include Maersk Line, Mediterranean Shipping Company, ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd, Grimaldi, COSCO Shipping Lines, Messina Lines, Ocean Network, CMA-CGM and Arkas.

GRA prosecutes 24 defaulting OMCs

By
BERNICE BESSEY
-
0
GRA

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) says a total of 24 Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are being prosecuted for tax default.  Others are also facing sanctions, including refusing to allow them to lift oil and also garnishing of bank accounts.

The Authority has taken further steps to call up the OMCs’ guarantees or bonds and sealing off of their business premises. The action followed the 2021 Auditor-General Report that a number of OMCs and other businesses had defaulted on the payment of their taxes.

This was contained in a news release issued by the GRA, dated September 23, 2022, and signed by Florence Asante, with the headline, “Reaction to issues raised in the 2021 Auditor-General’s Report.”

The news release indicated that the GRA was compelled to take these actions, because while some of the OMCs had made arrangements with the Authority to have their tax indebtedness settled at a stipulated time, others continue to issue blank cheques.

“When all these measures fail to yield the desired results, directors of businesses are prosecuted at the Tax Court for non-payment of tax debts. Risk profiling of OMCs and Insurance Companies that guarantee the bonds has also been carried out to streamline processes and ensure that only businesses in good standing lift oil,” it added.

OMCs that had allegedly evaded taxes and were being prosecuted are Sephem Oil Co., Venus Oil Co. Limited, Maiga & Hhm Company Limited, Hossana Oil Company Limited, Warren Oil, Monex Mining Company Limited, Karela Oil Company Limited, Union Oil Ghana Limited, Humano Energy Limited, Oreint Energy Limited, Mm Energy, Sky Petroleum, Q8 Oil Ghana Company Limited, and Titan Petroleum Limited.

The rest are, Mansel Ghana Limited, Stelna Solutions Limited, Au Resource Limited, Goldshop Ghana Limited, O.M. Minerals Limited, Helvent Company Limited, Capstone Oil Company Limited, Deliman and Company Limited, Unique Oil and Louis Gas.

Still on the AG’s report, the GRA maintained that it realised GH¢60.99 billion instead of GH¢57.43 billion captured in the 2021 Report.

According to the Authority, the Auditor-General by extension failed to add revenues such as Energy Debt Service, Energy Debt Recovery, Power Generation, and Sanitation & Pollution levies, which amount GH¢3.2 billion.

Center For Communication & Culture, Melcom Care Foundation Honour 13 Veteran Journalists

By
admin
-
0
Former president Kufuor (m) being assisted by Miss Joyce Aryee and Nana Kobina Nketsia IV to sit on a stool
From Left to right, Sir Sam Jonah, Kabral Blay Amihere and Abdul Malik Kweku Baako
Kwesi Pratt Jnr (L) exchanging pleasantries with former president Kufuor
Former editor of The Chronicle, Nana Kofi Coomson receiving his citation from Miss Joyce Aryee

 

Mr and Mrs Coomson at the programme
Joyce Aryee
Former GJA president, Gifty Afenyie Dadzie
Former president John Kufuor
Sir Sam Jonah
Veteran broadcast journalist, Godwin Avenorgbo
Executive Director for Center Communication and Culture, Enimil Ashon (r)
Kofi Coomson and his old time friend, Joe Baidoe Ansah at the programme
Managing Editor of the New Crusading Guide, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako (L) in a chat with former president John Agyekum Kufuor
Former editor of The Chronicle, Nana Kofi Coomson receiving his citation from Miss Joyce Aryee

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kwame Pianim
Special Guest, Omanhen of Essikado, Nana Kobina Nketsia IV

7th Day Theocratic World Congregation celebrates Feast of Tabernacle Festival

By
admin
-
0
Apostle Dr. Kadmiel E.H

Under the leadership of Apostle Dr. Kadmiel E. H. Agbalenyo, the Seventh Day Theocratic World Congregation joyously celebrated the Feast of Tabernacle at Homedakrom near Otiakrom, in the South Akuapim District, Ghana from 15th-22nd September,2022. The ceremony attracted a large number of members from all parts of Ghana and neighboring countries; Burkina Faso, Togo and Nigeria.

Members donned themselves with tree branches and palm fronts, danced and sang hallelujah songs to praise and glorify the Almighty God.

It is remarkably established that Christ Jesus and His disciples celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles where He said that He did not come to destroy the “Laws and the Prophets”.

In an interview with the Media, the Founder of the Church, Apostle DrAgbalengo disclosed that at Mount Sanai, Yahweh, the almighty God instituted Three Annual Festivals that commemorates His important works on earth.

The Feast of Pass-over, which commemorates the miraculous deliverance of Israelites from Goshen in Egypt. The Feast of Weeks which commemorates the declaration and given of the commandments, the Temple Ordinance and other laws and the Feast of Tabernacle which commemorates the 40 years’ sojourn of the

Israelites in the wilderness. He added that without the Festivals, the power and authority of Yahweh would have been eradicated on earth by the Gentiles’ powers therefore commemorating the three festivals established the absolute dominion of Yahweh on earth.

According to him, the Almighty God had commanded our religious Fathers to celebrate His Established Religious festivals, “God made promise to our fathers that if they continuously obey His voice and keep His commandment, ordinances and statutes they will become His Eternal heritage, Kingdom of Priests and Kings to practice the teachings of Priests, Prophets, Apostles and others God has placed His seal upon.

He further disclosed that the Seventh Day Theocratic World Congregation is the only church in Ghana which yearly celebrates the God’s religious instituted festivals.

By I.B. Freeman

NPA advises motorists to demand receipt after fuel purchase

By
admin
-
0
NPA officials engaging the drivers
The NPA officials educating market women

Motorists have been urged to continuously prompt fuel attendants on the type of fuel they are buying, and also pay attention to the colour codes to be sure of being dispensed the right products into their fuel tanks.

Eunice Budu Nyarko, Head of Consumer Services Department of the NPA, who gave the advice in Wa whilst engaging commercial drivers and traders within the Municipality, added that the Red coats on fuel nozzles means it was Super or Petrol, the black means it was Diesel, whilst the Green stands for differentiated product or High Octane (Ron 95).

Eunice Budu Nyarko, Head of Consumer Services Department leading the campaign

She encouraged motorists to have visibility of the dispenser screen so as to see the amount punched, in terms of quantity or price. Additionally, she urged motorists to always demand for fuel receipts after purchase as this will aid in investigation in cases of fuel complaints.

“Let’s build confidence and trust in each other and desist from all petroleum related dishonesty and fraud to help build a better Ghana” she added. The Upper West Regional Manager of the NPA, Bashiru Natogma, on his part urged consumers in the region to bring to his attention fuel related incidents for redress.

He also encouraged them to report within 48 hours of purchase of fuel if they suspect something fishy at the pump or with the product. The Consumer Service and Security and Intelligence Directorate of the NPA collaborated with the Upper West regional office to execute the task.

Kotoko, Hearts share spoils in Super Clash

By
NAABENYIN JOOJO AMISSAH
-
0
Enock Morrison fights off Obeng Junior for the ball

Kumasi Asante Kotoko managed a pulsating 1-1 stalemate against Accra Hearts of Oak on match day 3 in Kumasi yesterday, thanks to Caleb Amankwa’s late header for the visitors.

Hearts Obeng Junior and Isaac Oppong in a tussle for the ball

The Porcupine Warriors, who looked not so strong on paper, prior to the big clash, following their painful exit from the Champions League,became the huge favourites with Hearts the underdogs, just 15 minutes into the game.

Both sides made series of incursions into the other’s half in an attempt to get the opener, but it was Kotoko who created more decent chances.

Heart had a great opportunity to take the lead, but Kwadwo Obeng Jnr shot wide,hitting the side of the net.

Hearts took control of the midfield in the early but their swift play was short-lived, as Kotoko quickly found answers to the intelligent display by midfield maestro GladsonAwaku.

Kotoko grew in confidence and carried the fight to their opponents, forcing Hearts right back Zakaria Yakubu to have his name registered in the referee’s book for a yellow card offence, following a foul on Isaac Oppong.

As the intensity of the game increased, left back Dennis Korsahwas also booked for fouling Stephen Amankona, whosepace and skills on the wing caused the Hearts defense some worries.

Though Hearts looked organised in midfield, the long passes failed to locate JuniorKabaand Obeng Junior upfront, as the duo were completely made ineffective by the central defenders of Kotoko, who cut the long passes to them.

Serge Zeze jumps highest to get the ball

Kotoko’s midfield,marshalled by skipper Richard Boadu distributed intelligent passes through the middle of the park and linked up with the attackers so well that the Phobian defenders struggled mostly in the first half.

But for poor decisions and shooting upfront, Kotoko could have taken the lead in the first half and perhaps scored one additional goal before the break.

Second half

Kotoko returned from the break more determined to do damage but a glorious opportunity presented to Mukwalaby the Phobian defenders was strangely wasted, as he shot poorly towards goal.

Kotoko’s appeal for two quick penalties in succession was both ignored by centre referee Yaw Bless.

Defender Mubarik Yssif shot from a close range to open the scores for Kotoko after Hearts failed to deal effectively with a free kick excellently converted on the side of the Phobian’s in the 18 yard box.

Hearts responded immediately with a move that nearly restored parity, but typical of their players upfront, the chance was amazingly wasted.

The stadium scoreboard summarise the score for the day

Kotoko contained playmaker Gladson Awuku who had to control the midfield for Hearts and determine their attacking directions and movements towards goal.

Sensing his inability to live up to the challenge after picking a knock, coach Samuel Boadu pulled him out.

Hearts’ moment of survival came through a powerful and incisive header from Caleb Amankwa who connected a free kick delivered by SeiduSuraj deep into the 18th yard box.A miraculous rainbow appeared in the sky, much to the delight of the Phobian fans.Caleb Amankwa rose to the occasion and headed home to rescue a point for the Phobians.

1...2,7092,7102,711...3,078Page 2,710 of 3,078

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

©
The Ghanaian Chronicle