The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned the general public to desist from purchasing and using DIABOOST, a product that is said to kill diabetes and normalizes blood sugar levels after first use, among others. According to the FDA, it has not registeredor approved of DIABOOST to be sold to the general public. In a communique signed by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, she said "The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has detected the presence of an unregistered product, DIABOOST, being marketed on social media, by 36TY Courier Services, located at Ritz Junction, Madina" "The product is being marketed as a product that kills diabetes and normalizes blood sugar levels after first use, among others." The FDA stressed that claims by the DIABOOST pills are false. "The product is in fact labelled as a food supplement, not a medication and thus cannot be used in the treatment of diabetes" "DIABOOST is not registered by the FDA. For this reason, its efficacy, quality, and most importantly, safety for diabetics cannot be guaranteed by the Authority" The Authority has advised all diabetics to strictly adhere to prescribed treatment by their doctors and discuss any alternative treatment with them as well to avoid any complications. DIABOOST is manufactured in Bulgaria for SPB, REALTY LTD, 1 HAN ASPARUH STR., BURGAS, BULGARIA and distributed in Ghana by 36TY Courier Service, headed by Ms. Mary Alimena, who is currently assisting the Police with the investigation. The FDA says it is by this notice asking all persons who have the product to stop using them immediately and return them to the nearest FDA office or to the supplier. The Authority wishes to encourage the public to check the registration status of all regulated products from the FDA website, www.fdaghana.gov.gh and the ProPer Platform (https://bit.ly?ProPerFDA-Verify) before purchase in order to avoid any harm. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has organised a blood donation exercise for staff at its various offices across the country. Thinknewsonline.com can confirm that the blood donation exercise was held at the FDA Headquarters in Accra, Tema and Central Regional offices. The one-day activity was to encourage the staff to donate blood and help replenish the blood bank as part of the FDA's corporate responsibility. Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in charge of Corporate Service Division, Yvonne Nkrumah underscored the need for staff to engage in the blood donation exercise. At the Tema office, the exercise saw staff and some residents partaking in it. The Central Regional Office was not left out as staff and residents stormed the office to donate blood. The residents explained that their participation will help the blood bank have enough blood and help save lives in cases of emergencies. At the Manya Krobo SHS in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality, in the Eastern Region, Head of FDA, Anita Owusu Kuffuor led the government institution to organise a blood donation exercise for the students. She said "We chose Manya Krobo SHS because many people believe we are concerned with Koforidua, the Regional Capital" It is emerging that about 164 students out of the estimated 300 were able to partake in the exercise. Further checks revealed that some students who were unable to partake in the exercise were between the ages or 13 and 14 years. Churches, Corporate Organisations, Schools among others have been urged to also organise blood donation exercises. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Multiple award-winning gospel singer, songwriter, philanthropist, producer, TV presenter, and author, Sonnie Badu has says the first time he got to know of gospel musician, Piesie Esther was when she released her award-winning ‘Waye Me Yie’. The gospel minister said this while commending the 2023 VGMA Gospel Artiste of the Year winner for her hard work. “I didn’t know Piesie until I heard a lot of people talk about ‘Waye Me Yie’. Piesie is well-packaged from visuals to graphics to everything, so whoever is behind her has to push her because the visuals are good and she is a show girl, you can see that,” he told Kwame Dadzie on Joy FM's Showbiz A-Z. He made the comment to dispel the notion that he didn’t like Piesie Esther due to his recent endorsement of Black Sherif’s VGMA Artiste of the Year win. According to him, Piesie has even been billed for his upcoming concert slated for December 9, 2023 at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre. Piesie Esther, who has been in the gospel music industry for about 20 years, shot into the limelight after the release of her song 'Waye Me Yie', which won her Gospel Song and Gospel Artiste of the Year awards at the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. The massive support by the Christian community during the period of the awards, even shored up her visibility. She was tipped as the highest contender of the ultimate category (the Artiste of the Year), to Black Sherif who won the slot. Although Sonnie Badu has acknowledged Piesie's effort, he said on Hitz FM that Black Sherif deserved the award over Piesie Esther. In the meantime, Piesie is out with a new song titled 'Mo'. Credit: One Ghana Tv

Processes are underway by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to elect a parliamentary candidate for the Odododiodio constituency, as the incumbent MP, Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, is out of the race. Three aspirants have so far filed their nominations to contest for the parliamentary slot, which is scheduled for October 31, 2023. The Chairman of the NDC Elections Committee in the Odododiodio Constituency, Nii Adjebu Lamptey, has advised party sympathizers in the constituency to be circumspect about their utterances during the campaigns. Speaking to the media at the NDC constituency office, Mr. Lamptey advised, “NDC members and supporters, what we are doing now is internal competition, and we pray that all of them will comport themselves so that we can have a peaceful election. The filing of nominations has been very peaceful, and we expect that it will continue like that. On Friday there will be vetting at the regional party office, and on October 31, the elections will come on as planned.” Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has been the MP for the constituency since 2013. He was elected as MP during the 2012 elections, where he faced off against Victor Okaikoi of the New Patriotic Party. Vanderpuye was quite confident about his chances of winning, famously stating in November 2012 that if he got less than 65% of the vote, he would concede the seat to Okaikoi. In the end, Vanderpuye won by a smaller landslide than expected, with 45,967 votes (63%) against 26,269 (36%) for Okaikoi and 745 (1%) for Emmanuel Odoi of the Convention People’s Party. In December 2016, he was retained as the member of Parliament for the Odododiodio Constituency with 36,606 votes representing 57.04% against his closest contender, the New Patriotic Party, whose candidate had 26,671 votes representing 41.56%. Credit: GBC

The Accra High Court has imposed a 15-year jail term on the founder of defunct Capital Bank, William Ato Essien, for stealing over GH₵90 million belonging to the bank. Essien, who was convicted in December last year for stealing over GH₵90 million belonging to Capital Bank, avoided a custodial sentence after the court accepted an agreement between him and the Attorney-General (A-G) for him (Essien) to pay the GH₵90 million as restitution to the state. In a ruling this afternoon, the court, presided over by Justice Eric Kyei Baffour, held that Essien has failed to pay the restitution to the state per the agreed terms with the A-G. The agreement was pursuant to Section 35 of the Courts Act, 1993 (Act 459), which allows accused persons standing trial for causing financial loss to the state to pay the money and possibly avoid a custodial sentence. Essien paid GH₵30 million of the amount on December 1, 2022, and per the agreement as adopted by the court, was ordered to pay the remaining GH₵60 million in three instalments with the first instalment on or before April 28, 2023, the second on or before August 31, 2023, and the last instalment on or before December 15, 2023. However, Justice Kyei Baffour said as of today, Essien had paid only GH₵7 million out of a possible GH¢40 million, missing the deadlines for April 28 and August 31 this year, bringing the total paid to GH₵37 million of the total GH₵90 million. Justice Kyei Baffour, however, ruled that Essien could regain his freedom if he paid the outstanding sum of GH₵53 million, which is what is left for him to pay to the state as reparation and restitution. more to follow… Credit: Graphiconline.com

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States of America has initiated an investigation alongside the ongoing one by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) into the activities of former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah and her allies. This was disclosed by the OSP in a statement on its X page, formerly known as Twitter on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. According to the OSP, the FBI’s investigation which will be concurrent with what it is already undertaking will focus on assets owned by Dapaah and her associate and their financial transactions in the US. “The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have initiated concurrent inquiries into the activities of Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, and her associates,” the statement said" It added that the FBI’s investigation aims to ascertain the lawfulness or otherwise of the said assets and financial transactions of the former minister between Ghana and the US. “These investigations primarily focus on examining their assets and financial transactions within the United States of America. This collaborative effort is to ascertain the lawfulness of Ms. Dapaah and her associates' wealth, both in the context of their funds transitioning from Ghana to the United States and vice versa,” the OSP wrote. Cecilia Dapaah got into trouble with the OSP following a public uproar in July over revelations in court documents that the Minister had kept $1 million, €300,000, and millions of Cedis in her house, which were stolen by her domestic staff, who were subsequently arrested and put before a court. She has since been battling with the OSP, alongside her husband who is equally being investigated, in court while her assets and bank accounts have been frozen pending the outcome of the ongoing investigations. Credit: Pulse Ghana

The Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery says Ghana Immigration Service's newly launched seven year strategic plan will provide a roadmap for it to operate an efficient, fair and firm immigration system that meets the social and economic needs of the country. According to him, it also provides an effective monitoring and evaluation system which will guide in gauging the performance of the Ghana Immigration Service and the impact of the implementation of the plan. Speaking at the launch of the seven year strategic plan held in Accra on Wednesday, Mr. Ambrose Dery said "It is my hope that, the Service would seize any available opportunity to realize its Vision" "As noted in the Comptroller-General’s welcome remarks, the Strategic Plan being launched today revolves around four (4) key components, namely; Border Management, Transnational Crime Prevention, Enforcement, and Organisational Drivers" He added that each component has clearly spelt out strategies to facilitate the transformational agenda of becoming a model Immigration Service for Migration Management and the Security of Ghana. "I want to assure the Service of the commitment of the Government of His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo, to support the implementation of this Strategic Plan.  Accordingly, I urge all stakeholders in the migration management space to come on board to support the implementation of activities outlined in the Strategic Plan for better management of migration in Ghana and globally" "I have perused the document and I am convinced that the Plan was well thought through and clearly outlines the strategies the Service would adopt in contributing to the realization of its mandate in the next seven years. I am very impressed by the quality of ideas put together in this document. One intriguing thing about the Plan is the emphasis it places on digitalization to build a stronger and better Service, which is in line with our national agenda" "I am aware that there was an extensive consultation in the development of this Strategic Plan, so we can be assured that, the concerns of all relevant stakeholders have been captured. As we continue our commitment to promote a humane and orderly management of migration, it is necessary for us to collectively champion interventions and maintain a well-coordinated multi-sectoral intervention to aid the process. Accordingly, we must all own this document and ensure its effective implementation" He further thanked the Government of Denmark for funding the development of the plan under the project, “Strengthening Border and Migration Management in Ghana (SMMIG)”, implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD)' "To the Strategic Plan Technical Working Group, Regional Commanders and selected Officers whose commitment and expertise saw the realization of this Document, I say, Ayekoo.  To all other stakeholders who contributed to the development of this Plan in diverse ways, the Ministry appreciates your efforts" On her part, Amala Obiokoye-Nwalor, ICMPD said "In ICMPD, we adopt a three-pronged approach to interventions, namely Research, Dialogue and Capacity Building. This is why the drafting of this Strategic Plan was preceded by a thorough evaluation and lessons learnt exercise on the previous GIS 2018 – 2022 Plan, conducted between April – July 2022" She added the Strategic Plan shows GIS commitment to professionalism, human rights, gender-equity and growth. In a speech read on her behalf by Project Manager, ICMPD, Lulia Jolley-SOCEA, she said "As some of you may recall, the last two GIS strategic plans (2011-2015 and 2018-2022) were both 5 year plans, while this new plan is a 7-year plan, a testament to GIS dedication to long-term sustainable growth. For some people who may be wondering why the plan is a 2023-2029 plan instead of 2024-2030, this is because the GIS already commenced the implementation of some activities, even before this launch event" She explained that Migration governance was not a one-agency job, hence would like to use to call on other government institutions, development partners and Non-State actors to rally round the GIS and support the implementation of this ambitious plan. "On our part as ICMPD, we strongly believe in the development potential of migration when done in a regular manner, and we are committed to supporting the Government of Ghana in its efforts of governing Migration in a safe, orderly and humane manner" "At the centre of migration are actual people, individual migrants/travellers affected by the work of border agencies such as the GIS, which is why respect for human rights, integrity and gender-responsiveness are important themes in this Strategic Plan" Taking his turn, Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Kwame Asuah Takyi said "With the expiration of the 2018–2022 Strategic Plan, the Service commenced the development of its 7-year Strategic Plan, with support from the “Strengthening Border and Migration Management in Ghana” (SMMIG II) project, funded by the Government of Denmark and implemented by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in collaboration with the Service" He mentioned that the process of formulating a new Strategic Plan, offered the service the opportunity to take stock of past successes and failures, to determine its vision and mission in the light of challenges ahead, and to put forward strategies for development not only in response to changing trends and needs, but also as an active and participating agent in the international migration arena. "The strategic themes of the Plan attest to our resolve to achieve excellence through our core functions. This Plan defines our Vision 'To become a model Immigration Service for Migration Management and National Security'. The Plan is a framework through which we shall apply our resources and strengths to explore the available opportunities and confront any threats that we may encounter towards achieving our Vision. In this regard, we have adopted a mission statement that is in line with our core mandate, which is, 'To operate an efficient, fair and firm immigration system that meets the social and economic needs of the country" "This Strategic Plan will help the Service to position itself strategically in its operational environment by aligning effectively with the changes taking place in its environment. We have identified in this Plan key strategic themes that require interventions. The strategic themes formed the basis for the setting of our strategic objectives for the next seven years" He stated that to ensure optimum productivity and enhanced service delivery, appropriate components with their respective strategies and actions have been identified with appropriate Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and a Theory of Change. "These components are: 1. Border Management 2.Transnational Crime Prevention 3. Enforcement  and 4. Organizational Drivers. Though the primary responsibility of implementing the Strategic Plan lies with the Management and Officers of the Service, with the support of the Governing Council I can assure you of our commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of this Strategic Plan, we are well aware that successful implementation of the Strategic Plan would require a combined effort of our stakeholders" "We shall therefore endeavour to build and sustain linkages and collaborations with all our stakeholders to enhance synergy among players in the migration management arena in pursuit of the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicator 10.7, which calls on countries to “Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies” which is ultimately  aligned tos our Vision" "The budget for implementing the Plan over its seven-year duration runs into millions of Ghana Cedis.  It goes without saying that, funding is very critical to the successful implementation of the entire Strategic Plan" "The Service therefore has developed a credible implementation strategy where some key or pivotal projects will be pursued initially as quick wins, with the view of drawing other projects along. Let me, therefore seize this opportunity to appeal to all stakeholders to receive us with open arms when we knock on their doors for support to realize our Vision" "As we all know, the formulation of a Plan does not in itself translate into the attainment of objectives set out in it, but rather how effectively the Plan is implemented. Indeed, the long-term survival of GIS depends on sound strategic decisions effectively implemented. We will therefore require all hands on deck to realize our Vision" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Mr Kwame Gyan, the legal representative of Ghana's Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo-Dampare, has leveled serious allegations against Mr. Samuel Atta-Akyea, the chairperson of a 7-member ad-hoc committee tasked with investigating the recently leaked controversial audio. The audio purportedly contains discussions aimed at undermining the position of the IGP. During a conversation with Joy News, Lawyer Kwame Gyan expressed concerns over Mr. Atta-Akyea's conduct, alleging that the committee chairman was making prejudicial comments that could compromise the integrity of the investigation. Mr. Atta-Akyea, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, has come under intense scrutiny for his handling of the case. Mr Gyan accused Mr. Atta-Akyea of operating as if he were a sole commissioner overseeing the investigation. He expressed his team's reluctance to accept such a situation going forward. "He has his own agenda," Mr. Gyan asserted, hinting that Mr. Atta-Akyea has revealed his biased intentions for all to see. Lawyer Gyan accused Mr. Atta-Akyea of granting media interviews after committee meetings with detrimental comments. He accused Mr Atta Akyea of disclosing matters that he himself reserved for in-camera hearing and fabricating stories without basis. Lawyer Gyan continued, "He will be granting media interviews to the extent that after one sitting, he went out there and said the extended tape which was submitted by Bugri Naabu, and had not been played at the committee, has been doctored. Very prejudicial comments" The legal counsel for the IGP expressed his and his client’s respect for Parliament along with the individuals serving on the committee, stating the IGP has demonstrated his humility by appearing before the committee when he did not need to. However, he signaled his intention to adopt a more assertive legal stance moving forward. "Because of respect for Parliament and the institution and persons on the Committee, I drop my guns, but I'm going to do what lawyers do, going forward" Lawyer Gyan stated. He indicated he was going to hold the chairman to the remit of the committee as set up by the Speaker of Parliament in order to ensure that the purpose for which the committee was setup is achieved and nothing more. It will be recalled that 3 serving police officers and a former regional chairman of NPP were caught on tape plotting the removal of the IGP. Even though the IGP is the victim of the leaked tape, the chairman has turned the committee into a witch-hunt of the IGP, converting him from being the victim to the accused and subjecting him to a far reaching and open ended interrogation on behalf of his detractors. Many observers and civil society organizations have expressed concern about this being a calculated attempt to tarnish the reputation of the IGP and succeed in removing him from office. Credit: Office of Palgrave Boakye-Danquah

In a significant development regarding the tragic death of Bennet Adomah Agyekum, the proprietor of the renowned restaurant Kikibees, the police have apprehended a suspect named Yandeh Joof. Police arrest lady following death of Kikibees owner It is believed that Joof had a close relationship with the late Mr. Agyekum, possibly as his girlfriend. The circumstances surrounding Mr. Agyekum's demise unfolded when he was discovered lying in a pool of blood at a residence in Madina on Sunday, October 8. He was promptly rushed to a medical facility for urgent attention. Sadly, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. To further shed light on the situation, an autopsy will be conducted, and the deceased's body has been placed in the Police Hospital morgue for preservation. Simultaneously, a comprehensive investigation into the matter is ongoing, with Joof cooperating with the authorities. Mr. Agyekum last social media post showed him joyfully dancing to a Stonebwoy's song just hours before the tragic incident occurred. His caption, "Just imagine saying if God na Man by now them don order execution order for onna! Jehovah bu Eze [sic]," has added an eerie layer of mystery to the case. The sudden loss of Mr. Agyekum has sent shockwaves throughout the community, and the authorities are committed to diligently pursuing the investigation to bring clarity and justice to this tragic incident. Credit: Pulse Ghana

Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, has expressed concern over the increasing number of churches being established across the country, juxtaposed with the pressing issue of youth unemployment. Speaking at the 2023 Yam Festival of the Asogli State and the 20th-anniversary celebration of his enthronement, held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, Togbe Afede XIV emphasised the need for job creation and the potential societal consequences of an excess of places of worship without corresponding economic development. Togbe Afede XIV stressed on the critical importance of job opportunities for the Ghanaian youth. He questioned the proliferation of churches, stating that it should be accompanied by socio-economic and national development to address the unemployment crisis. Togbe Afede XIV said: “People now convert factory premises into churches. We have become more believing than those who brought Christianity and religion to us. Those have been part of our downfall, and as chiefs, let us remember that no success can be achieved except through hard work.” The Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State also criticised the powers vested in the President by the 1992 Constitution, stating that it hinders efforts to combat corruption, transparency, and accountability in national affairs. He, therefore, called for a comprehensive review of the constitution to introduce necessary checks and balances and curtail excessive powers, emphasising that without such amendments, significant national development would remain elusive. The Dormahene, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, who served as the special guest of honour at the event, encouraged fellow chiefs to continue speaking out against societal issues. He stressed that such actions would hold public officials accountable and ensure that the nation's resources benefit all citizens. Credit: Classfmonline

Former Sanitation and Water Resources Minister, Cecilia Dapaah says denying her access to her bank account is causing her hardship, stress and embarrassment. The Former Minister made thesee remarks over the freezing of her accounts by the Office of the Special Prosecutor following investigations into some amount of monies found in her accounts and homes. She said "I have been denied access to my bank accounts for over two months" "This has caused and is causing me hardship, stress and embarrassment" Madam Dapaah in other developments has disclosed that she sold a property in a representative capacity for her late mother. "I rather sold property in a representative capacity for Nana Yaa Ode" "Nana Yaa Ode also known as Nana Ode Nyarko was my mother (now deceased)" She made these pronouncements while responding to claims by the OSP that the Former Minister used an alias to sell a property. The Former Sanitation Minister further disclosed that monies received from her late brother's account were meant to pay fees. "Money received from my dead brother’s account was for payment of his children’s fees. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) says it has ordered the immediate recall of all ALLCA ADULT AND PUPPY BEEF MEALS. According to the FDA, the ALLCA ADULT AND PUPPY BEEF MEALS have not been registered by the Authority. In a communique signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Delese Darko, she said "These products are manufactured by Allca Bio-Technology Company Limited from an unlicensed premises and distributed by Mr. Carlos Muttouk" "These products came to notice through several reports of illness and death of dogs who consumed them" The communique also added that the Authority has subsequently closed down the manufacturing site while it investigates the cause of contamination and resultant deaths. The FDA urges the following immediate actions from wholesalers and retailers. "Withdrawal of products from shelves and homes, Refrain from selling and distributing these products; Thinknewsonline.com has gathered that the owner of Allca Bio-Technology Company Limited has been arrested. The FDA says it is working with the Ghana Police Service to investigate the matter to ensure the safety and well-being of pets and also prevent the occurrence of such an incident in future. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith