The leadership of Mobile Money Limited, a subsidiary of telecommunication giant, MTN Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) to help deal with the issues of financial crimes in the country. According to Mobile Money Limited, the partnership will not only tackle the issues of financial crimes in the country but also help mobile money users to easily report cases of theft to appropriate authorities for assistance. Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mobile Money Limited, Haruna Shaibu said "We owe it as a responsibility to collaborate with EOCO to support and make sure that customers enjoy safe environments to transact their businesses" "Mobile money has become an integral part of our daily activities but however, we are saddened with the issues around fraud which has permeated some of the activities around the service" "We intend to use this collaboration to actually work hard to combat mobile money fraud. I believe that this partnership will help us stay ahead of organised crimes in Ghana" He further explained that the value of monies which were lost through mobile money has increased despite the numbers recorded in 2021 and 2022. He mentioned that about GHc26Million was lost as a result of mobile money theft. He was however confident that the partnership will clamp fown the activities of frauders in the country. On her part, Executive Director of EOCO Ghana, COP Maame Tiwaa Addo-Danquah assured MML that it will work night and day with them to help apprend the criminals. She stressed that the activities of these crimes were long overdue hence the need to clamp their wings and arrest them. "We have to be ahead of these criminals. We cannot allow them to be ahead of us. I want to sound a warning to these criminals that they cannot get away with their crimes. We can only stop them if we work together" She noted that the MoU will provide guidelines for EOCO to be able to follow in order to gather evidence arrest criminals and curb their activities. She appealed to the general public to report any case of mobile money theft or any suspected cases to the nearest police station for help. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okeyere Darko-Mensah has noted that only 10% of faecal waste collected in the region is treated. This implies that the 90% of the faecal waste collected in the municipality is dumped into the environment untreated. Speaking at the commissioning of the Sekondi-Takoradi Faecal Sludge Management Plant in Asaake in the Western region, he said "only 10% of Faecal waste collected in the region is treated, hence this a very welcoming news to have another facility to boost the existing one which is obviously over stretched". He stated that Sekondi-Trakoradi is the third most densely populated city in Ghana with an annual average growth of 3.2% and the majority of urban households depend on on-site sanitation systems. The waste disposal site at Sekondi-Trakoradi metropolis area which is located at Sofokrom-Essipon hosts both the waste water and municipal solid waste sites. "This facility is aimed at significantly improving the environmental conditions of the city," he added. He emphasized that the Plant which has a design capacity of 1000m3/day with an averagely 100 trucks visiting the plant daily, will significantly improve the living conditions of the inhabitants and increase living standards in the region. "It will also decrease level of contamination in the ground and surface water, achieve good hygiene conditions as well as create employment for the teeming youth in the region," he retorted. He added that it will also serve as a learning and research facility for professionals and students in the region. Executive Chairman of Jospong Group, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong on his part noted that the project was inspired by the President Nana Addo's vision of making the country the neatest in Africa. He also commended the former minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah and Western Regional Minister for their immersed contribution towards the success of the project. "Private businessmen need people who encourages and exhibits exemplary leadership and you have encouraged me to do more. God bless you for the tremendous leadership support," he praised the two ministers. The CEO of Pureco KFT-Hungary, Ballint Horvath, in a short remark, noted that faecal topics are not glamorous topics, but its significance can not be over emphasized. He noted the project meets high international standards and safety protocols. "With the three projects in Takoradi, Kumasi and Tamale, Ghana has shown other African countries an example of how to properly manage faecal sludge in the sub-region. The State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Hungary, Mr. Tristan Azbej, who was the Guest of Honour, remarked that, the commissioning of the project is a means to celebrate a remarkable partshipship between Ghana and Hungary. "It's an achievement based on fellowship and professional commitment of both countries. Through this partnership we are inaugurating the facility built on Hungarian technology." He invited Ghana to explore other partnerships for the development of the country. "Though we far apart in distance, we have common values and culture and we are ready to support Ghana for the benefit of its citizens," he observed. The facility is expected to employ about 300 direct workers. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Akufo-Addo has appointed the Minister of State at the Presidency and Member of Parliament (MP) for Tano South, m Freda Prempeh as the new Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources. She takes over from Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah, whose letter of resignation, dated Saturday, 22nd July 2023, was accepted by the President on Saturday, 22nd July 2023. In other developments, President Akufo-Addo has also appointed the Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways and Member of Parliament (MP) for Afigya Sekyere East, Mavis Nkansah Boadu as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. He has further appointed the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and Minister of Parliament for Tatale/Sanguli Thomas Mbomba as Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways. The release signed by Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin hinted that these appointments takes effect immediately. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who was arrested by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), was subsequently granted bail with surety late Monday evening at approximately 10:20 p.m. She was released after spending hours in the custody of the OSP, who had earlier conducted searches at both her official residence in Cantonments and her private residence in Abelemekpe. The searches were related to the alleged million-dollar cash theft by housekeepers, which led to her resignation on Saturday. Earlier on Monday, July 24, 2023, Mrs. Dapaah was taken to her official residence in Cantonments, where OSP officials executed a thorough search. Following this, her Abelemekpe residence was also searched by agents of the Special Prosecutor. Details surrounding the arrest and searches remain undisclosed at this point. However, sources suggest that the OSP is likely to provide updates to the Ghanaian public on the arrest and the outcome of the search operations on Tuesday. While the exact nature of what was discovered during the searches is yet to be fully known, Citi News has learned from reliable sources that the OSP may have stumbled upon “something significant.” As part of the ongoing investigation, sources say that more of Mrs. Dapaah’s relatives will be questioned. Furthermore, she has been served with the declaration of income and property forms, indicating the seriousness of the allegations against her. Mrs. Dapaah’s arrest and the subsequent search operations have undoubtedly captured the nation’s attention, given her previous role as Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources. The situation raises questions and concerns among Ghanaians, who are keenly awaiting the OSP’s official statement concerning the developments. The Office of the Special Prosecutor, established to tackle corruption and related offences, has always insisted that it remains committed to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability. As this investigation continues to unfold, Citi News will diligently follow and report on any further developments surrounding this high-profile case

The National Democratic Congres (NDC) and their flagbearer John Dramani Mahama are being hypocritical in relation to their criticisms of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources Cecilia Abena Dapaah, a Deputy Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ernest Kofi Owusu-Bempah, has said. Mr Owusu-Bempah dared Former President Mahama to swear by the popular river god deity ‘antoa’ whether he has never kept over one million Dollars before in his house. Speaking to 3news.com on Monday, July 24, he indicated that although the NPP does not support the action of Madam Cecilia Dapaah in keeping such an amount of money at home, the NDC should stop being hypocritical in this matter. “We condemn that act of the woman, we are not supporting the action of the woman which is why the OSP, established by NPP, is investigating the matter. At least the woman has shown integrity by resigning from the government. “But the NDC should stop being hypocritical. The BNI and National Security should start going to the homes of the NDC bigwigs and John Mahama to see if they are also not allegedly keeping huge money in their homes. The OSP should be granted a search warrant to search Mahama’s house. “John Mahama should come and swear by antoa if he hasn’t kept one million dollars before. “Let me repeat, we are not saying we are not condemning what the woman has done but she is not the first person. NDC has no moral right to criticize the NPP for this. “We are daring Mahama, if he is a man he should swear by antoa that he never kept more than this in his home before. If he can’t swear then he and his NDC should shut up. He doled out money to delegates to for his election, where did he get that money from? One million dollars is a chicken change to Mahama,  he should give us a break.” His comments come after Mr Mahama descended heavily on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for not setting any good example with his appointees after one of them was said to have kept millions of Dollars and thousands of Euros in hard currency at home. Madam Dapaah was said to have kept $1 million, €300,000 and millions of undisclosed Ghana Cedis at home. These monies were allegedly stolen by two house helps, for which they are standing trial at an Accra Circuit Court. After this came to light, Mr Mahama took to his official Twitter page on Friday, July 21 to express disgust at such a move by a Minister of state. He described it as “scandalous”. “Even if genuinely acquired, why keep millions of hard currency at home?” he wondered in his tweet. Meanwhile, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has searched the home of Cecilia Dapaah as part of an investigation into her action. This was after the OSP placed her under arrest on Monday, July 24. She is being interrogated by officers of the OSP, a statement said. “At 11:55 GMT on 24th July 2023, Cecilia Abena Dapaah who resigned from the position of Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources on 22nd July 2023 was placed under arrest by the Office of the Special Prosecutor in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offenses regarding large amounts of money and valuable items reportedly stolen from her residence. Ms Dapaah is being questioned by authorized officers of the OSP,” the OSP said in the statement. Credit: 3news.com

Scores of market women and passengers from Ayerumu Electoral Area have been left stranded because of the collapse of a bridge after a downpour. The situation is hampering movement, especially the transport of foodstuffs from the Ayerumu and its environs to the Municipal capital, Dambai. Some affected people speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) disclosed that authorities in the Municipality and the government had failed to fix the road problems for a long time. Mr Dauda Phanuel, a Kia truck driver who was transporting yam and other foodstuffs to market, said the bridge on the road developed problems over six years now and residents including commuters found it difficult to travel on the stretch. “We should have been in Dambai now for farmers to sell their yam and other farm products, but the bridge collapsed, and we could not cross”. Mr Isaac Kaliwa, Assemblyman for KpareKpare Electoral Area, said several appeals had been made to the government and the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Krachi East to provide a new steel bridge to restore economic activities and ensure free movement of residents. GNA checks revealed that the Adonkwanta North Electoral Area and its environs predominantly farming and fishing communities facing similar challenges. Buses loaded with fishmongers from Dadoto travelling to Greater Accra got stuck in the swirling waters overflowing its banks. Mr Michael Nsiah Kanyinta, a teacher at Dadoto M/A said the situation rendered movement and transportation of teachers in the enclave difficult. He said a quick response to their request would provide a sustainable measure to solving the annual problem as well as safeguard their lives as they go about their daily activities. Source: GNA

News reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that the Office of the Special Prosecutor has arrested the immediate Sanitation and Water Resources Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah. The arrest comes following a suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding large amounts of money and other valuable items stolen from the former Minister's official residence. In a statement released by the OSP and cited by Thinknewsonline.com, it read "On 24 July 2023, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who resigned from the position of Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources on 22 July 2023, was placed under arrest by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding large amounts of money and other valuable items reportedly stolen from her residence" The release also noted that Madam Cecilia Dapaah is currently being questioned by authorised officers of the OSP. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Information reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that Former Minister of Health under the then John Dramani Mahama administration, Dr. Sherry Ayittey has died at the age of 75. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) announced the death of Late Sherry Ayittey via a press release. In a communique signed by its National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, it read "The death of the hardworking and selfless, Hon. Dr. Sherry Ayittey has robbed the party, the country, and her family, of yet another elder whose sterling contributions to nation building span well over a generation in the history of Ghana" "We, in the NDC are particularly devastated by this sudden and unexpected blow, and at the appropriate time, we shall demonstrate our gratitude to her for her love of nation and party" Late Sherry Ayittey was a Ghanaian biochemist, politician and women's activist. Late Hanny Sherry Ayittey was a former Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development. She was the Minister for Health from February 2013 to June 2014. She was the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology from 2009 to 2012. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

National Women’s Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Louisa Hannah Bissiw, has tied the knot again in a colourful ceremony. The private wedding happened on Thursday, July 20, 2023 The news of her wedding was shared on the NDC headquarters’ Facebook page with the caption “Congratulations to our National Women Organizer, Dr. Hannah Bissiw on her marriage…” Dr Louisa Hannah Bissiw and her former husband Francis Kpormeg who is a Jamaican-based medical doctor, tied the knot in 2014. In 2022, the politician disclosed that she sacrifices more for her party than her family. She disclosed that she stays alone and has one son who she hardly visits because of the  NDC party. Story by: Grace Tsotsoo Quaye

Thinknewsonline.com can confirm that the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah has resigned from her position. In a letter addressed to President Akufo-Addo, the Sanitation and Water Resources Minister noted that it was a great privilege to have served under his administration. She said "Since yesterday, Friday, July 22, 2023, social and traditional media have been full of stories about a court case involving a theft that took place last year in the home I live with my husband and daughter. The stories sought to suggest that I own various huge sums of foreign currencies and millions of Ghana cedis which have been stolen from my home" "Whereas I can state emphatically that those figures do not represent correctly what my husband and I reported to the Police, I am very much aware of the import of such stories around someone in my position. "I am resigning therefore because I do not want this matter to become a preoccupation of government and a hindrance to the work of government at such a crucial time. She also added that she will cooperate fully with all state agencies to enable them fully establish the facts. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A self-testing HIV kit to enable the public to check their status in the comfort of their homes, and wherever they find themselves was yesterday unveiled in Accra. The device, supported by Global Fund to fight HIV, AIDS, and Tuberculosis, would provide convenience, confidentiality, priva­cy, and quick result. Unveiling the kits, the Minister of Health (MoH), Mr. Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, said the HIV self-testing kit was one of the newest innovations in the range of strategies aimed at encouraging persons to know their status. He said the availability of HIV testing kits would address the criti­cal gap in the healthcare system. Testing is the foundation to the entire response to HIV/AIDS, which is the gateway to preven­tion, treatment care, and support services. “When individuals know their status, they can make informed decisions about their health and make the necessary steps to protect themselves and their partners,” he said. Mr Agyeman-Manu said increased testing would help effectively identify new infections to be tackled. He said there was a need to ensure that everybody, regardless of their socioeconom­ic status, had access to accurate testing services. This, he said would strengthen the collective efforts to curb the spread of HIV and reduce the stigma surrounding it. Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kyereme Atuahene, said the ability to diag­nose the HIV population in the country was the key determinant of success. He said the HIV self-testing would empower individuals to discreetly and conveniently test themselves in the privacy of their homes or other preferred locations. Dr. Atuahene added that the kit would also provide an opportuni­ty to reach key populations who might face unique challenges in accessing health care. “By expanding access to sub-testing, we can overcome barriers related to stigma and concerns about privacy and confidentiality that often deter individuals from seeking traditional testing test services,” he added. He said Ghana was expected to achieve the ‘95-95-95’ targets by the end of 2025. Programme Manager of the National AIDS/STI Control Programme, Dr Stephen Ayisi Addo, said about 70,000 kits had been distributed across the regions targeting the youth. “Currently we have in stock over 165,000 kits ready for distri­bution and we have also budgeted for more kits under the next Global Fund grant to comple­ment the private sector,” he said. The UNAIDS Country Direc­tor, Mr Hector Sucilla, said UN­AIDS and United Nations team on AIDS, ratify the support to this initiative, “Working hand by hand, we can achieve our target of ending AIDS by 2030.” He encouraged stakeholders in the health sector to implement the necessary actions to ensure continuity of differentiated HIV testing studies, testing technol­ogies and commodities were available and accessible for all. Source: ghanaiantimes.com

The Deputy Minister of Health, Hon. Mahama Asei Seini has indicated that the HO medical waste treatment facility will solve public health concerns in the Volta region. Speaking in an address at the commissioning of the first medical waste treatment facility in the region, the Minister disclosed that "concerns regarding how medical waste materials are treated such as incineration, disposal at landfill sites, sorting by waste scavengers, re-using of medical waste among others pose health hazards to the public hence the new technology deployed to treat medical waste will safeguard public health". He said the facility is equipped with state-of-the-art Microwave Treatment Equipment (Ecosteryl) that have a daily treatment capacity of 5,000Kg (5 tons) of hazardous waste. He added that the facility will create 200 direct and indirect jobs for residents within the region. An Executive Director of the Jospong Group of Companies (Environment and Sanitation Cluster), Mr. Said Haidar in a statement commended President Akufo-addo for his support in creating the enabling environment for the private sector to thrive. He said the Jospong Group have been committed to providing public health services as evident in the lavae source management where it helped control mosquito population, COVID-19 disinfection among others which are public health services. "This medical waste treatment facility being commissioned is environmentally friendly as it uses unique technology which is a Microwave Treatment Equipment that will treat 5,000Kg of hazardous waste. This facility will minimize the health risks of improper medical waste treatment", he emphasized. The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa in his address explained that President Akufo-addo in his state of the nation address mentioned that Government will provide 16 Integrated Recycling and Composting Plants (IRECOPs) and 14 Medical Waste Treatment facilities across the regions. "This facility will serve the health facilities in the regions and its environs and provide jobs for residents. It will also help minimize health risks and attain Sustainable Development Goal on health and wellbeing" The Paramount Queen Mother of Akrofu Traditional Area, Mamaga Akua Sebea Nyabor VII expressed her gratitude to the Jospong Group of Companies and President Akufo-Addo for establishing the facility in her community. She appealed to the government to construct the road leading to the facility to help facilitate it's patronage. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith