Former President, John Dramani Mahama has accused the Akufo-Addo government of becoming increasingly desperate. He says the government is attempting to ramp draconian policies down the throats of Ghanaians and further called on the Minority in Parliament to be vigilant and stop the government from introducing such policies. Addressing Minority MPs in Ho in the Volta Region, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) charged them to be vigilant. “Your return is opportune and timely, as it accords you an opportunity to maintain even greater vigilance and oversight over a government that is becoming increasingly desperate and, with no doubt, attempting to ramp Draconian policies down the throats of Ghanaians,” he said. Mr Mahama added “On the evidence of what we have seen so far, I believe I speak for the generality of Ghanaians when I say that you in the Minority have lived up to expectations.” Credit: 3news

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) says it will be shutting its Kpong Water Treatment Plant from the 14th to 15th February, 2024. According to GWCL, the temporary shutdown is essential to facilitate the installation of a new interconnection pipeline and foot valves at the Kpong Water Treatment Plant (WTP), which is expected to boast the capacity of the plant by approximately 3 million gallons per day (mgd) i.e., 13,600m3. In a communique signed by Chief Manager, PR & Communications, Stanley Martey, he said "While we appreciate the inconvenience this may cause, GWL assures the public that our dedicated team of Engineers will work diligently within the estimated time frame to restore water supply to the affected communities" "This measure is in alignment with GWL’s commitment to significantly enhance the water supply capacity from Kpong to parts of the Eastern and Greater-Accra Regions to effectively address the water demands of the growing population" The communique cited Somanya, the entire Krobo area and its environs as areas to be affected. Management of GWCL appealed to all essential service providers, especially the hospitals and schools in the area to ensure they have adequate storage for the period. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Herbert Wigwe, the co-founder of Access Bank and the founder of Wigwe University has died in a helicopter crash in California in the United States. Wigwe was also the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Access Holdings, the parent company of Access Bank. The Access Bank founder Herbert Wigwe was on board the chopper with his wife, son and three other passengers. The chopper was headed to Las Vegas when it crashed near a border city between Nevada and California on Friday night [Feb 9]. The US government confirmed all on board dead as no survivors have been located as of Saturday morning. The helicopter was carrying six people when it crashed on Friday night near the California-Nevada border. The United States Federal Aviation Administration said that the Eurocopter EC130 helicopter crashed around 10:00 pm local time, near Nipton, California, an unincorporated community about 60 miles south of Las Vegas in eastern San Bernardino County. According to Mara Rodriguez, a public information officer with the department, officials at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department were made aware of the downed aircraft at 10:12 pm, local time. She added that the scene of the crash was determined to be east of Interstate 15, near Halloran Springs Road. The New York Times has confirmed the incident but did not name the passengers. Access Bank confirms death of Group CEO, Dr. Herbert Wigwe "Today, we bid farewell to a visionary leader, Herbert Wigwe, whose passion and unwavering commitment to excellence transformed Access into a global powerhouse."His legacy of excellence and compassion will continue to inspire us all."Rest in peace, Herbert Wigwe. Your impact will forever be felt," a statement issued by Access Bank read. Helicopter carrying 6 people crashes in California desert near Las Vegas In a separate development, the USA today reports that a helicopter carrying six people crashed in a Southern California desert late Friday, the latest in a number of high-profile aviation disasters in the U.S. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed Saturday that together with the National Transportation Safety Board, they were investigating a Eurocopter EC 130 helicopter that crashed around 10 p.m. Friday near Nipton, California. San Bernardino Sheriff's Department officials told KABC-TV that they have not been able to locate any survivors and the cause of the crash is unknown. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department didn't immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment. Nipton is located near the California-Nevada border, near Las Vegas. The crash follows two deadly aviation disasters in recent days. At least two people were killed Friday afternoon when a small plane that had lost both its engines crashed into a vehicle on a Florida interstate as the pilot attempted to make an emergency landing, authorities said. And earlier this week, five U.S. Marines died after a military helicopter went down in the mountains near San Diego. Many aviation disasters have happened in California Southern California is a busy hub for military and small aircraft and has a long history of aviation tragedies and near-disasters. In June 2022, three military aircraft crashes occurred in Southern California in the span of a week. U.S. Navy pilot Lt. Richard Bullock was killed on June 3 when his F/A-18E Super Hornet crashed near Trona. Days later, five Marines on an MV-22B Osprey died when the aircraft crashed in a California desert near the Arizona border during training. A Navy helicopter crashed in the same region and all four crew members survived. In July, six people died after a Cessna C550 crashed near the French Valley Airport in Murrieta, California. It happened just days after a 39-year-old man was killed and three children were injured near the same airport. This past January, a Navy helicopter crashed off the coast of Coronado, California with all six aboard surviving. Jack Cress, an instructor in the Aviation Safety & Security Programme at the University of Southern California and a former helicopter pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps said that while the Southern California's mountainous terrain and weather events like the atmospheric river can pose a challenge for pilots, the high traffic likely contributes to the number of accidents. "Accident rates may be a little bit higher in California than others, but I would assume if it's the case, it would most likely be because of volume more than anything else," said Cress. Credit: Graphiconline

Five (5) Ghanaian bloggers were beaten black and blue by the family of Dr Grace Boadu’s family after they visited the family house to make enquiries about the funeral details of the late herbal practitioners. According to a victim, the family first slapped and landed heavy blows on Papa J, the vlogger who went viral weeks after his interview with Dr Grace Boadu’s uncle revealed that the deceased founder of Grace Gift Herbal Clinic was childless and had no husband at the time of her demise. After attacking Papa J, the family pounced on the other bloggers to give them the beatings of their lives and also cease their phones. As if the beatings were not enough, they also destroyed their car and later threw them out of the house like petty thieves. The bloggers have reported the case to Ejisu Police Command and currently pending investigations. Credit: GHPage

Nigerian skit maker, Sabinus has demonstrated his generosity by gifting three of his closest collaborators brand-new Camry muscle vehicles. This gesture, it was learnt, is in appreciation for their unwavering dedication and talent, as they have been integral to the success of his comedic ventures. Among the fortunate recipients is Twizzy, who took to X (Twitter) to share his overwhelming excitement, posting captivating images of the sleek vehicles. The news of Sabinus’ benevolent act spread like wildfire, captivating the hearts of fans and admirers alike. The camaraderie between Sabinus and his team was evident, highlighting a bond that extended beyond the realm of comedy. These individuals, whose comedic chemistry has entertained millions, are reaping the rewards of their hard work and commitment. For Sabinus, this gesture was more than just a gift; it was a symbol of gratitude for his team’s pivotal role in his meteoric rise to fame. “Their tireless efforts and creative contributions have not gone unnoticed,” he said. Sabinus said he was determined to show his appreciation in a grand and meaningful manner. The trio, who had become synonymous with laughter and joy, are now cruising in style, courtesy of their generous mentor. Credit: persecondnews

Former President John Dramani Mahama has said the Akufo-Addo administration has performed badly in the past seven years that they have been in office. In his view, the bad performance of the government is causing key officials including the Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to distance themselves from the administration. “They have been so bad that their own poster boy,is trying an inexplicable and contrived separation between himself and the very government he was touted as the brains behind for purely electoral purposes,” Mr Mahama who is also the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) said while speaking to the Volta caucus of the NDC in Ho. Mr Mahama earlier stated that no person in the Akufo-Addo administration including Dr Bawumia could escape responsibility for the economic challenges. He said all the officials were in the cabinet when decisions were being taken and approved. “You know the situation that this economy is in. Now all those who contributed to the mess are trying to run away as if they were not part of it. People have begun saying they were not in charge, they were not listening to them and all that. “All of them ‘de inside’, Jack Toronto and all his brothers, all of them are part of the mess we are going through. None of them can escape responsibility because they all sat in a cabinet together. Anytime they were going to borrow from the Eurobond market they approved it in the cabinet,” the NDC flagbearer said at a town hall meeting in Tamale on Thursday, February 8. His comments come at a time that the head of the Economic Management Team (EMT), Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia said that the EMT does not have decision-making powers. Dr Bawumia said they only advise the cabinet. As head of the EMT, he had been blamed for the economic challenges that Ghana is facing. Delivering his address at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Wedmesdsy Febraury 7, Dr Bawumia, flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)., said “Thankfully, I was appointed as chair of the EMT, as a sub-committee to Cabinet we do not have decision-making powers but I am very proud of the quality of advice we have been providing over the years to Cainet. as vice president I was asked by the president to assist in solving the problems that were inhibiting the economy. my approach was to help formalize the economy through digitalization as stated in our 2016 manifesto.” Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia further said that the flak that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) received for supporting the government during the economic crisis was unnecessary. He says the central bank was responsible enough to put the interest of Ghanaians ahead by deciding to support the government in dealing with the crisis. It is recalled that the Minority in Parliament strongly criticized the Bank of Ghana, saying the central bank was not fit for purpose. They bemoaned that the BoG was not able to undertake monetary policy without printing monies. In its recent audited report, the Bank of Ghana announced that it had recorded GH¢60 billion in losses in its debt restructuring exercise. Ranking Member on the Finance Committee, Isaac Adongo said “All the monies in our banks that they forced them to save with the Bank of Ghana, which we call the Prudential Reserve, have gone to waste. “All the monies that they have been borrowing from abroad in foreign currency to support the Cedi are gone and as a matter of fact, if you even take away government debt that they have incurred GH¢48 billion, you will still see that the Bank of Ghana has a hole of GH¢22 billion. What this means is that the Bank is not fit for purpose because it cannot undertake monetary policies without printing money because it doesn’t have money.” But Bawumia said in his address that “The Bank of Ghana provided needed financing to the government at a critical moment. What the BoG did was very responsible in putting the interest iof the citizens first,” he said. Dr Bawumia further stated that one cannot ignore the fact that the outbreak of the Covid pandemic and the Russia-Ukrain war devasted global economies including Ghana. He recounted that notwithstanding the challenges that the Akufo-Addo administration inherited from the Mahama administration, they managed to stabilize the economy with all economic indicators pointing in the right direction. However, he said, the pandemic and the war impacted negatively on these indicators. “Notwithstanding the difficulties we inherited, we had to get on with …we have to among other things fix dumsor, National Health Insurance, clear the arrears, make education free and accessible. “Between 2017 and 2019, all the indicators, economic growth, industry growth, fiscal deficits, and exchange rate were all moving in the right direction. “In 2020 and 2022 we experienced several challenges triggered by the pandemic which brought the world to a halt,” he said during his address at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Wednesday, February 7. Credit: 3news

Ghanaians took to social media to light-heartedly mock their Nigerian counterparts following the Super Eagles’ loss to Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. Leveraging Nigeria’s failure to clinch their fourth AFCON title, Ghanaians revived the banter between the two West African nations, touching on topics ranging from football to electricity and culinary skills. In the thrilling encounter at the Lassane Ouatarra Stadium on Sunday, Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, initially led his team with a powerful header to secure an early lead. However, Ivory Coast rallied in the second half, with Frank Yannick Kessie and Sebastien Haller scoring to secure a 2-1 victory. Despite Ghana’s own team, the Black Stars, not advancing past the group stage in the same tournament, Ghanaians embraced the opportunity to revel in Nigeria’s defeat. Quick to capitalise on the moment, they playfully teased Nigerians on social media platforms. The familiar banter touched on Nigeria’s electricity challenges, with tweets humourously stating, “No electricity, no trophy.” The ongoing debate over who makes the best jollof rice was also revisited with Ghanaians claiming superiority in that aspect as well. Credit: 3news

Ghana has been ranked 20th in Africa out of 24 countries with the lowest cost of living, a new data from Numbeo has revealed. It is however ranked 3rd in West Africa with the highest cost of living. The nation's overall Cost of Living Index was 26.0. The ranking took into consideration Rent Index, Groceries Index, Restaurant Purchase Index and Local Purchasing Power Index. For Rent Index, the nation scored 11.0. In terms of Cost of Living Plus Rent Index, Ghana scored 18.8, whilst it obtained a score of 27.2 for Groceries Index. With regard to Restaurant Purchase Index, it scored 22.9. However, it got a score of 14.8 for Local Purchasing Power Index. Cote d'lvoire (44.7) was 1st in both Africa and West Africa with the highest cost of living. It was followed by Senegal with a score of 44.0%. Ethiopia placed 3rd with a score of 43.1, whilst Mozambique and Mauritius were 4th and 5th with scores of 43.0 and 39.8 respectively. Ghana’s position, according to Numbeo, was largely due to a reduced inflation in 2023 and a slow down in the depreciation of the cedi. The data revealed that cost of living in Ivory Coast is on average 72.3% higher than in Ghana. Similarly, rent in Ivory Coast is on average 53.6% higher than in Ghana. However, cost of living in Nigeria is on average 53.5% lower than in Ghana. Similarly, rent in Nigeria is, on average, 8.5% lower than in Ghana. Inflation ended 2023 at 23.2% Ghana's end-of year inflation stood at 23.2% (December 2023). Whilst food inflation rate stood at 28.7% in December 2023, non-food inflation recorded a rate of 18.7%. The Consumer Price Index data also revealed that inflation for locally produced items was slightly higher at 23.8%, while inflation for imported items remained at 21.9%. The Ghana cedi also ended 2023 with a year-to-date depreciation of 15.57% to the US dollar in the retail market. Currently, Ghana is under an International Monetary Fund programme with the need to improve its revenue outlook. This has led to the introduction of new taxes thereby burdening businesses subsequently. This has the tendency to derail businesses and investor confidence in the medium to long-term. Credit: Myjoyonline

The Ghana Police Service has arrested four more people in connection with the murder of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Royal Cosy Hills Hotel, Eric Johnson, at Jirapa in the Upper West Region. This sends the total number of suspects apprehended to five. The suspects; Dookuuri Fausta, Braimah Kasim, Beyuo Felix and Michael Klugey who are all workers at the hotel are in Police custody assisting with investigation together with suspect Kumbata Kwaku who was arrested earlier. According to the police, investigation would continue to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to book. This comes after earlier reports that Mr Johnson was murdered by some assailants. Taking to his social media page to confirm the incident, a journalist in the region Mornah Banung-kae Kennedy described the situation as sad. Credit: Myjoyonline

NAIROBI: Tributes poured in on Monday for Kenyan running sensation Kelvin Kiptum after the marathon world record-holder was killed in a car crash at the age of 24. The favourite for the Paris 2024 Olympics was driving from Kaptagat to Eldoret in the Rift Valley of western Kenya around 11:00 pm (2000 GMT) on Sunday when his car came off the road and hit a tree. Father of two Kiptum and his Rwandan coach Gervais Hakizimana were killed while a woman passenger was seriously injured, police said. "He lost control and veered off-road entering into a ditch on his left side. He drove in the ditch for about 60 metres before hitting a big tree," said an official police report from Elgeyo Marakwet County where the accident occurred. It said Kiptum and Hakizimana died on the spot while the passenger Sharon Chepkurui Kosgei was rushed to hospital with serious injuries. Images on Kenyan media showed the mangled wreck of the vehicle, its windscreen shattered, the roof and doors buckled and almost ripped off. Kiptum exploded onto the marathon scene when he ran a world record 2:00:35 in Chicago in October, taking 34 seconds off fellow Kenyan star Eliud Kipchoge's previous record. He was just 23 at the time, and competing in only his third marathon. Kiptum also won his other two efforts -- his debut in Valencia in 2022 and a follow-up in London the following year. Kipchoge said he was "deeply saddened" by the death of the "rising star" who surpassed his record. "An athlete who had a whole life ahead of him to achieve incredible greatness," Kipchoge said in a statement on X. Kenya's President William Ruto described Kiptum as "one of the world's finest sportsmen who broke barriers to secure a marathon record". "An extraordinary sportsman has left an extraordinary mark in the globe," he said on X. From herding goats just a decade ago, Kiptum had announced he would attempt in April to become the first man to run an official marathon under the mythic two-hour mark. World Athletics said his debut was the fastest in history and mourned the loss of "one of the most exciting new prospects to emerge in road running in recent years". World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said that only last week he had been in Chicago to officially ratify Kiptum's historic time. "An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly," Coe said in a statement. Faith Kipyegon, who has set world records in the 1500m and the 5,000m, left a wordless tribute on X: three crying emojis and a Kenyan flag. Kiptum and Kipchoge were anticipated to run together for the first time this summer at the Paris Olympics. "With the Olympics just days away, we mourn the untimely departure of a promising talent," the president of Kenya's National Olympic Committee Paul Tergat said on X. "Kelvin's recent ratified record in Chicago showcased his potential for a bright future, representing the next generation of Olympic greatness." Kenyan two-time Olympic 800m champion David Rudisha described his death as a "huge loss". Kiptum hailed from Chepkorio, a village in the Rift Valley that is the heartland of Kenyan distance running, and where ultimately his death occurred. Ten years ago, barely a teen, he herded goats and sheep and then began following Hakizimana and other runners as they trained in the legendary high-altitude region. By 2019, Kiptum ran two half-marathons in two weeks, going 60:48 in Copenhagen and 59:53 in Belfort, France. He began training with Hakizimana, who stayed in Kenya when the Covid-19 pandemic struck. Kiptum's death is the latest in a saga of tragedies to hit Kenya's young athletics hopefuls. In 2011, Kenyan marathon great Samuel Wanjiru died at the same age after capturing the title at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. According to a pathologist, Wanjiru was killed from being hit on the head with a blunt object. In 2021, distance running star Agnes Tirop was found stabbed to death at the age of 25 at her house in Iten, near Eldoret. Her husband Ibrahim Rotich went on trial for her murder in November last year. At the end of December, Kenyan-born Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat was found dead in his car near Eldoret with a stab wound to his neck. Two men have been charged with his murder. Credit: Tribune

Hephzi’s Gift Shop, purveyors of elegant fresh flowers, luxury hampers, balloon bouquets, cupcakes, chocolates and more, have vowed to make this year's Valentine's day extra special for you and all your dear ones. Hephzi’s Gift shop says it will be offering special discounts and a free gift for every purchase made above Ghc 1000, towards this Valentine's day. The iconic single red rose retailing at major outlets for an average of GHc90, is being sold at Hephzi’s for just GHc75. Their delicious mini Red velvet cake which was selling at Ghc 290 now goes for Ghc 250. Hephzi’s is also offering clients the opportunity to customise their packages with the name of the recipient. Imagine a Giant bar of Toblerone Chocolate boldly emblazoned with your lover’s name: indeed a unique and breath-taking option, available exclusively from Hephzi’s! This year, additional to their unrivaled luxury hamper collection, Hephzi’s has introduced the Fruity Floral Love, a curation of fresh fruit and flowers to please dear ones who prefer all things natural. In an interview with Hephzi’s Gifts in Accra, their CEO described the Fruity Floral Love as “The best of all things natural: fragrant fresh flowers with an assortment of choice fruits, presented in modern-take on the traditional woven basket" "A wholesome all-natural gift; in honour of love and life…” Simply divine Hephzi’s Gifts may be located on Boundary Road, adjacent Gethsemane Memorial Garden, and opposite Melcom at Shiashie, East Legon. Call them now on 0555-940-022 to place your order! On social media, follow them via Hephzis on Instagram and Hephzisgifts on Facebook. Make this Valentine's day truly special for all your loved ones … with Hephzi’s! Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

John Gatsi, a Professor of Economics at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), is sceptical about the proposed tax amnesty by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. He believes that this measure will neither enhance tax payments nor address the challenges associated with tax payment. Dr. Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, has promised to introduce a tax amnesty and a simple, citizen- and business-friendly flat tax regime if elected president. During his address at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, he outlined his vision for a new tax regime. This would involve a flat tax based on a percentage of income for individuals and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which make up 98% of all businesses in Ghana. The proposed system includes appropriate exemption thresholds to protect the poor and promises a simplified corporate tax system and VAT regime. However, Professor Gatsi argues that this measure does not address the primary challenge of tax collection in the country. He identifies the main issue as a lack of commitment from citizens to voluntarily pay taxes, as they perceive no direct benefits. In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News, Professor Gatsi suggested that the country should focus on enhancing public services. He believes that this would motivate people to pay their taxes. “Even if you give everybody tax amnesty for which everybody should start afresh, that will not bring about any change because that is not the main problem of tax collection in the country.” “The main problem is that people are not committed to the payment of taxes if they are supposed to voluntarily declare to pay taxes because it does not commensurate with the provision of public infrastructure for the people. Public transport is not the best. Access to public services is not the best for most people in Ghana, therefore they don’t see why they should be paying taxes. Those are the issues that should be addressed,” he said. Credit: Citinewsroom