The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region has revealed that a final verdict on the party's involvement in the forthcoming Ejisu by-election will be reached on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. This declaration comes in response to the Electoral Commission's (EC) scheduling of the by-election for April 30, 2024, after the passing of John Kumah on March 7, 2024. John Kumah, aged 45, succumbed to a brief illness, leaving behind a wife and six children. Speaking in an interview on Citi TV on Monday, April 9, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the NDC's Ashanti Regional Secretary, affirmed that the party will soon clarify its stance on the election. He added that the party has already identified a candidate for the constituency and awaits guidance from the national leadership. “We in the NDC are far ahead in terms of the processes leading into this by-election and we have a candidate already. “We had not earlier come out with a firm stance on whether we were participating or not because we were hoping and waiting to hear the date and the declaration that the seat is vacant. “So we are considering a lot of things on our desk and I am very sure that we will be guided by all the research work that has been done and I am sure that by Tuesday, we will be able to put to rest all the debate on whether we are contesting or not,” he explained. Credit: Myjoyonline

President Akufo-Addo has sacked the Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Dr John Ofori-Tenkorang. His sack takes effect from Monday April 15, 2024. He consequently asked the SSNIT boss to hand over to one of his deputies, Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Maafo. This was contained in a letter dated April 8, 2024, signed by the Secretary to the President addressed to Dr Ofori-Tenkorang. Reference was made to his appointment letter dated 1st July, 2019, issued by the Public Services Commission. In accordance with paragraph 8 of the said appointment letter, “I regret to inform you that the President has terminated your appointment effective 15th April, 2024 with three (3) months’ salary in lieu of notice” "You are directed to hand over to Mr. Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Maafo and proceed to collect any terminal benefits you may be entitled to,” It continued that, “To ensure a smooth transition, kindly hand over and cease to act as the Director-General of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) no later than close of business on Monday, 15th April, 2024.” Story by: Sarah-Joyce Komenan

The Ministry of Finance has confirmed the appointment of Julie Essiam as Commissioner-General and three others at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). According to the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Edward Apenteng Gyamerah has been elevated to Commissioner, Domestic Tax Revenue Division while Pearl Darko holds the position of Commissioner, Support Services Division. The Finance Ministry also added that Brigadier General Ziblim Ayorrogi has been made Commissioner, Customs. In a communique signed by its Public Relations Unit, it said "These new appointments are expected to strengthen the GRA and ensure that targets are met in an environment of professionalism, fairness and exemplary client care" The Ministry, however, thanked the immediate past leadership for their commitment and service to the nation. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A staff of Multimedia Group Limited, Samuel Asante Bosompim was nearly lynched for allegedly stealing someone’s manhood at Chorkor in the Greater Accra region. According to the victim, he and a friend attended a funeral in the area and were returning home when a man approached and asked for directions. Out of the blue, Bosompim said the man started shouting and accusing them of stealing his manhood. “I attended a funeral at Chorkor when this incident occurred. We were just trying to find our way home when a man approached us for directions. Little did I know that it would escalate into such a terrifying ordeal” he recounted on Adom News. Despite trying to explain that they had no ill intentions, angry mob subjected them to severe beatings and nearly lynched them. “They accused us of a missing genital out of nowhere. Despite our attempts to explain ourselves, they didn’t listen. They started beating us mercilessly, and I feared for my life.” he cried. Bosompim said his accuser was later taken to a location where he was forced to show his male organ as proof, and many witnesses confirmed that it was intact. The distraught young man said he suffered injuries to his face, eyes, chest, ears and other parts of his body and sought treatment at Cocoa Clinic in North Kaneshie. Credit: Adomonline

Keche Andrew, one-half of the popular music duo Keche, is mourning the loss of his beloved mother, Mrs. Gladys Cudjoe (Nee De-graft Asmah). The celebrity’s mother passed away at the age of 66. The heartbreaking news was shared by Keche Andrew himself on his social media accounts. In the post, he expressed his deep sorrow and disbelief at the loss of his mother. “You Broke Our Heart Mum, Trust Me You Have Broken Our Heart ….. You Made Me An Orphan Mum, Why ????, Who Do I Share My Secrets With ??? I’m In Pains Mama Gladys …. I Miss You, I Really Love You,” Keche Andrew wrote in tribute to his late mother. To honor her memory, the family will be holding her one-week anniversary today, April 9 at their family house. Friends and followers have sympathized with Keche on the unfortunate passing. Credit: Adomonline

A student of Adanwomase Senior High School has been convicted after robbing a teacher, and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment with hard labour by a Circuit Court at Old Tafo in the Ashanti Region. On the morning of March 4, 2024, at about 7:30am, Gabriel Osei Kwame assaulted teacher Matilda Boatema with a jackknife near her residence in Adanwomase in the Ashanti region. He robbed her of her Infinix Hot 9 smartphone valued at 700 cedis, cash amounting to 570 cedis, as well as rice, stew, and some documents. Upon investigation, the complainant's bag was discovered abandoned in a nearby bush, though the phone and cash were missing. On March 25, Matilda identified Gabriel in the company of a friend in Adanwomaso, leading to his arrest and subsequent handover to the Asonomaso police. Initially, Gabriel denied any involvement in the robbery but later confessed to the police. According to the police, the accused admitted to robbing the complainant and disclosed that he sold the stolen phone at Adum PZ for 250 cedis. Gabriel pleaded guilty to the robbery charge, as per section 149 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act (Act 29) of 1960 . The judge, His Honour Festus Nukunu, imposed the sentence on Gabriel Osei Kwame for his involvement in the robbery of Matilda Boatema, a teacher at Gyaman Pensan Senior High School. Story by: Sarah-Joyce Komenan

The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) and Transport Operators of Ghana have jointly declared a rise in transportation fares, effective Saturday, April 13, 2024, in response to the recent surge in petroleum prices. On Monday, April 8, 2024, the two organizations released a statement in which they made this declaration. According to the unions, given the recent spike in the cost of fuel, replacement components, and lubricants, the increment is desperately needed. They outlined the following adjustments: “a 15% increase for short-distance or intracity transport, a 20% increase for intercity or long-journey transport, a 15% hike for taxi services, and an increment from GHC10.00 . The decision was motivated by the noticeable lack of government intervention in reducing the price of petrol, vehicle spare parts, and lubricants, despite ongoing economic challenges. Also, the prevailing economic difficulties and other factors are worsening the living conditions of transport owners and drivers. They pleaded with Ghanaians to cooperate with transport companies and take note of the increment. Story by: Sarah-Joyce Komenan

The Ghana Police Service has filed charges against three persons accused of sharing an intimate video of broadcast journalist, Serwaa Amihere. The individuals identified by the law enforcement agency are Edem Saviour Ketti, a filmmaker; Candylove Kwakyewaa Ababio, a trader; and Henry Amponsah, popularly known as Henry Fitz. The trio faces four counts of charges related to sexual extortion, intentional distribution of an intimate and visual recording of Serwaa Amihere. According to the suit, someone had first called Serwaa Amihere’s make-up artiste demanding she informs the journalist to pay a sum of GH₵5,000 or risk having some nude pictures shared publicly. The number, on which the mobile money transaction was made, was registered in the name of the first accused Edem Saviour Ketti Despite the initial payment, Serwaa Amihere received a second threat from an unknown number that demanded a lump sum of GH₵20,000. However, the accused persons still published the video after they received the money requested . The suit indicated, that Serwaa Amihere reported the case to the police, and upon surveillance mounted, the first accused was arrested at his hideout at Dzorwulu. During investigations, he allegedly admitted to having used his Ghana Card to register the said mobile money account number and handed it to the second accused, before it was handed to the thirdly accuse. Story by: Sarah Joyce Komenan

The Speaker Alban S. K. Bagbin has described the late Hon Modestus Ahiable as a man of conviction who approached his earthly endeavors with calculated precision and strong principles. According to him, this attribute of the late former Volta regional chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) endeared him to the late former President Jerry John Rawlings who appointed him regional minister for the Volta Region. Speaker Bagbin paid this tribute when the family of the late Modestus Ahiable called on him in Parliament on Monday to formally announce his passing and details of the funeral arrangements. They were led by the Member of Parliament for the Ketu North Constituency Hon James Klutse Avedzi who is also chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. Recounting the memory of Mr. Ahiable who was popularly called ‘Eku’, Speaker Bagbin expressed the need to celebrate the contributions and memory of people who dedicate and devot. Credit: GHOne TV

Former President John Mahama has advised Muslims in Ghana to focus on the significance of Ramadan. “Ramadan Kareem! I had the opportunity to break the fast with the Ameer and members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission. “The spirit of unity and fellowship during Ramadan is always inspiring. I am grateful for the chance to share this holy month’s traditions with my Muslim brothers and sisters,” the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flag bearer wrote in a Facebook post. He also entreated them to be mindful of their actions and show empathy and generosity towards those in need. “As we approach the end of Ramadan, I want to encourage all my Muslim friends and followers to stay focused on the spiritual significance of this month. “Use this time to reflect on your faith, strengthen your connection with Allah, and seek forgiveness for any shortcomings. Remember to be mindful of your actions and words and show empathy and generosity towards those in need. “Let’s make the most of these remaining days to pray and seek blessings for ourselves, our loved ones, and our beloved country, Ghana. Ramadan is a time for growth, gratitude, and renewal. Let’s make the most of these remaining days.” Credit: GHOne TV

Ghana’s Youth and Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif has revealed that the country is well positioned to consider hosting the commonwealth games slated for 2026. As things stand now, the 2026 edition of the Commonwealth Games is in limbo, as original hosts Victoria in Australia have withdrawn its bid last year due to cost concerns. Malaysia have also indicated they are equally unwilling to host the multisport champions for commonwealth nations for similar concerns. But speaking in an exclusive interview GHONE TV‘s sports show, The Game with Benjamin Yamoah and Monica Bukari, Mustapha Ussif indicated Ghana is well positioned to host the commonwealth Games on the back of successfully hosting the African Games. Mustapha Ussif revealed that the President of the Commonwealth Games was in Ghana recently. “In fact, the President of the Commonwealth Games was in Ghana recently, and we held several meetings with him. He visited our facilities for the African Games and was impressed. They want an African nation to host the games.” He further revealed Ghana is well positioned to host the rest of the Commonwealth nations in the Commonwealth Games after successfully hosting the rest of Africa in the recently ended African Games. “We have the existing facilities to host the Commonwealth Games, plus it won’t cost us much to host the games as compared to how much it cost us to host the African games if we decide to”. “The Commonwealth Games secretariat even gives the host nation money unlike the African Games where the host solely funds every expenditure for the games, so Ghana can host it if we decide to do it,” Mustapha Ussif said. Ghana hosted the multi sports African Games for the first time in the games history in March 2024. Source: GHOne TV

Residents of Koforidua were taken aback on Sunday, April 7, 2024, when they witnessed firefighters from the Eastern Regional Sub-Station of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) battling a blaze at the Koforidua Central Market with buckets of water. The fire outbreak, which ignited around 5:50 p.m., prompted a swift response from the GNFS. However, upon arrival at 6:10 p.m., the fire crew faced a daunting challenge: the pump failed to engage, hindering their firefighting efforts. With the flames spreading rapidly, the firefighters were forced to rely on the assistance of residents, who provided buckets of water to combat the inferno. The fire, suspected to have originated from an electrical fault, engulfed four shops within the market, completely destroying two and partially damaging two others. Despite the intensity of the blaze, the collaborative efforts of firefighters and community members managed to bring the fire under control and finally extinguish it, preventing further devastation. While several adjoining shops were spared from destruction, the fire inflicted significant damage on the affected premises. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident. “The fire, suspected to stem from an electrical fault, engulfed four (4) shops, completely destroying two (2) and partially damaging two (2) others. Items destroyed included plastic cups, bowls and spoons, takeaway packs, toilet rolls, and polytene bags,” said officials of GNFS. The Koforidua Central Market is the largest in the Regional capital. However, it is in deplorable condition, making it vulnerable to fire outbreaks. Despite strong assurance by the Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben in 2021 that the market was going to be reconstructed in earnest, not even a single block has been laid to provide hope for traders in the market. Credit: Ghanaweb