The Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah has debunked claims that she owns the one million dollars, three hundred thousand euros and millions of cedis which was stolen from her house. According to the Minister, there are noticeable inconsistencies between what is being discussed in the public domain and the thrust of the original complaint on the matter. In a release sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, she said "I refer to publications dated 21/07/2023 suggesting that I own one million dollars, three hundred thousand euros and millions of cedis which have been stolen from my house." "There are noticeable inconsistencies between what is being discussed in the public domain and the thrust of the original complaint on the matter" The Sanitationand Water Resources Minister also revealed that she is taking steps to examine the origins of the inconsistencies and will provide a detailed response in the coming days. Background It will be recalled that two house helps, 18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei, are currently facing charges before an Accra Circuit Court for their alleged involvement in the theft of significant sums of money and personal belongings belonging to Cecilia Abena Dapaah, Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour. The thefts, which amount to millions of Ghana Cedis, reportedly took place at the couple’s residence in Abelemkpe, a suburb of Accra, between July and October 2022. The accused, Patience and Sarah, are facing one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, involving amounts of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis. During the same period, the pair allegedly stole personal effects from Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, including assorted clothes valued at GH¢95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry valued at US$95,000. Further accusations involve Patience acting alone to steal six pieces of Kente cloth worth GH¢90,000 and six sets of men’s suits valued at US$3,000, which belonged to the minister’s husband. The court also charged three additional individuals in connection with the thefts. Benjamin, a 29-year-old plumber, has been accused of dishonestly receiving GH¢180,000, while Kweku Botwe, a 65-year-old trader, faces charges for dishonestly receiving GH¢50,000. Additionally, Malik Dauda, a 23-year-old unemployed individual, is alleged to have dishonestly received GH¢1 million. All five accused individuals appeared before an Accra Circuit Court presided over by Judge Susana Ekuful on Thursday, July 20, 2023. However, their pleas have not yet been taken. Of the accused, Sarah has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢1 million, with two sureties required to deposit their Ghana cards with the court’s registrar. It was clarified that the bail conditions are subject to review by the substantive judge as Judge Susana Ekuful was serving as a relief judge at the time. In her briefing, Judge Susana Ekuful revealed that Patience, along with her alleged boyfriends and father, has been remanded into lawful custody. However, Sarah was granted bail due to being a breastfeeding mother. According to the prosecution, Patience, also known as Maabena, previously worked as a house help for the complainants, Daniel Osei Kuffour and his wife, Cecilia Abena Dapaah. Sarah, too, was a former house help for the couple. The alleged thefts came to light in June of the current year when the complainants reported the incidents to the police after discovering missing cash and personal belongings. Patience was caught in the act, having opened and entered the couple’s room using a duplicate key. She was apprehended by Mr. Kuffour upon his return home, having noticed the room was unlocked and hearing unusual noises from inside. Further investigations revealed the stolen items and the money in possession of Patience and her associates. The accused allegedly used the stolen funds to finance various properties and purchases, including renting a 3-bedroom apartment and a store in Tamale, buying vehicles, and funding other personal expenses. The court has adjourned the case to August 2, 2023, while investigations continue. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Joyce Bawah Mogtari, a Special Aide to former President John Mahama has waded into the conversation around the huge cash stolen from the home of the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Mrs. Cecilia Abena Dapaah. The monies in question are $1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghanaian Cedis. In her post on Twitter, Bawah Mogtari said there are millions of dollars and cedis under the beds of government officials of President Akufo-Addo’s administration while Ghanaians suffer. “So so much wealth under their beds, millions of dollars and Cedis, a potpourri of currencies, and yes Ghanaians are still suffering, Debt exchanges, hardships and haircuts galore! Pray tell us what is Nana Akufo-Addo going to do please,” the Special Aide to ex-President John Dramani Mahama said. For former President John Dramani Mahama, the huge sum of money stolen from the Sanitation Minister is scandalous. He is of the view that even if the money was genuinely acquired, why would the Minister keep the cash at home? “$1m + €300k and millions of GHS in a Ghanaian Minister’s home? Scandalous!! Even if genuinely acquired, why keep millions of hard currency at home? Will President Akufo-Addo ever set a good example for public office holders in his administration?” John Mahama questioned in a post on Twitter. Credit: Modern Ghana

Minority Leader of Parliament, Cassiel Ato Forson has called on Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, to voluntarily step aside following reports of millions of cedis allegedly stolen from her residence. In a Facebook post on Friday, Ato Forson reacted to reports that over $1 million, €300,000 and millions of Ghana cedis were discovered in Abena Dapaah's private residence, allegedly stolen by two of her domestic staff. “Given the magnitude and gravity of this situation, it is essential that an immediate and impartial investigation be carried-out to ascertain the source and legitimacy of these funds,” Dr. Ato Forson wrote. The Minority Leader strongly urged the Minister to step aside until state institutions have conducted thorough and independent investigations. “I strongly urge the concerned Minister to voluntarily step aside from her duties until the relevant state institutions have conducted a thorough and independent investigation into this matter,” he stated. The lawmaker added that the people of Ghana deserve a government that serves with honesty and dedication. “The people of Ghana deserve nothing less than a government that serves their interests with honesty and dedication,” his post concluded. Credit: Modern Ghana

Two house helps, 18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei, are currently facing charges before an Accra Circuit Court for their alleged involvement in the theft of significant sums of money and personal belongings belonging to Cecilia Abena Dapaah, Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour. According to a report by The Chronicle, the thefts, which amount to millions of Ghana Cedis, reportedly took place at the couple’s residence in Abelemkpe, a suburb of Accra, between July and October 2022. The accused, Patience and Sarah, are facing one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, involving amounts of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis. During the same period, the pair allegedly stole personal effects from Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, including assorted clothes valued at GH¢95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry valued at US$95,000. Further accusations involve Patience acting alone to steal six pieces of Kente cloth worth GH¢90,000 and six sets of men’s suits valued at US$3,000, which belonged to the minister’s husband. The court also charged three additional individuals in connection with the thefts. Benjamin, a 29-year-old plumber, has been accused of dishonestly receiving GH¢180,000, while Kweku Botwe, a 65-year-old trader, faces charges for dishonestly receiving GH¢50,000. Additionally, Malik Dauda, a 23-year-old unemployed individual, is alleged to have dishonestly received GH¢1 million. All five accused individuals appeared before an Accra Circuit Court presided over by Judge Susana Ekuful on Thursday, July 20, 2023. However, their pleas have not yet been taken. Of the accused, Sarah has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢1 million, with two sureties required to deposit their Ghana cards with the court’s registrar. It was clarified that the bail conditions are subject to review by the substantive judge as Judge Susana Ekuful was serving as a relief judge at the time. In her briefing, Judge Susana Ekuful revealed that Patience, along with her alleged boyfriends and father, has been remanded into lawful custody. However, Sarah was granted bail due to being a breastfeeding mother. According to the prosecution, Patience, also known as Maabena, previously worked as a house help for the complainants, Daniel Osei Kuffour and his wife, Cecilia Abena Dapaah. Sarah, too, was a former house help for the couple. The alleged thefts came to light in June of the current year when the complainants reported the incidents to the police after discovering missing cash and personal belongings. Patience was caught in the act, having opened and entered the couple’s room using a duplicate key. She was apprehended by Mr. Kuffour upon his return home, having noticed the room was unlocked and hearing unusual noises from inside. Further investigations revealed the stolen items and the money in possession of Patience and her associates. The accused allegedly used the stolen funds to finance various properties and purchases, including renting a 3-bedroom apartment and a store in Tamale, buying vehicles, and funding other personal expenses. The court has adjourned the case to August 2, 2023, while investigations continue.

Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor says government has taken drastic, decisive and pre-emptive steps to protect the Black Volta from the destructive activities of illegal miners. According to the Minister, following recent media reports of illegal mining activities on the Black Volta, the government through the collaborative efforts of the Minerals Commission, the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council and the Ghana Armed Forces embarked on an intelligence-gathering operation to ascertain the situation on the ground. Hon. Jinapor who was speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the presentation of the intelligence report on Friday, 21 July 2023, stated that a number of operations have already taken place by the Military to stop the illegal miners and protect the river body from further destruction. Providing details of the said operations, the Minister disclosed that 20 changfans which were operating on the Black Volta have been confiscated and destroyed. He stated that resources and personnel will be committed to ensuring the Black Volta returns to its naturally healthy state sooner than later. Describing the emergence of illegal mining activities as ‘scandalous and unfortunate’, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor vowed that Government through the Ministry and allied institutions will activate the necessary and legal measures to protect the Black Volta and other waterbodies from illegal mining activities. “The need for us to protect the Black Volta is absolutely important and I’m happy to report that following the reports the Ministry received, we are working closely with the Minerals Commission, the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council and the 6th Battalion of Infantry, 6Bn) in collaboration with the Military command of the Savannah Region were able to carry out an intelligence-gathering operation to ascertain the true facts on the ground”, he indicated. “As I speak to you now, series of operations have been undertaken and the reports I’ve received is that 20 changfans have been destroyed and there is a well-thought-through plan to eradicate illegal mining on the river and other parts of the country”, he stressed. The Lands Minister disclosed that government will not relent in its effort to eradicate illegal mining activities and ensure that the exploitation of the country’s natural resources are done in accordance with the laws of the country and international standards. He explained that the government illegal mining battled is modelled on two pillars which are enforcement and reformation. Hon. Jinapor vowed that the government will continue to pursue the two pillars and will not renege in its effort to create a sustainable mining sector through responsible and environment-friendly mining practises. Story by: Fafa Nyame

The Environmental Health and Sanitation Department under the auspices of Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly (KoKMA) has embarked on its periodic mass medical screening/health education for food as well as drink handlers at Tema Station, a popular market centre in the Greater Accra Region. According to KoKMA, in line with Public Health (Act 851), it criminalises the sale of unwholesome food or drink without medical certificate of fitness. Deputy Municipal Environmental Health Officer at KoKMA, Edward Okai said "The exercise is check the health conditions of the market women and also educate them on the need to stay hygienic" "We have doing this exercise periodically and without the medical screening, we will not allow the women to sell here" "This is an operation, we have termed, 'no certificate, no sales'. If you want to sell in the market, you have to display your certificate" "This is to ensure that food sold is safe for human consumption. You will agree with me that food from the farm, when it gets to the market, the conditions that they are being sold needs to be looked at" He added that the food products are sold on bare grounds of which paves way for food contamination. "We have told the market women to ensure that whatever they sell should be 3ft above ground level. They have to spray the place." "We began on Monday and we have been able to screen about 171 persons. Two persons have tested positive for Hepatitis B and the other Typhoid. They have been sent to the Ridge Hospital and are receiving treatment" A staff with the KoKMA, Madam Faustina Asare revealed that the exercise has been challenging adding that some market women resort to fighting and cursing the workers from the Municipal Assembly. "Well, it has been GHc45 for the past two years and it is just this year that we increased it to GHc50. We take the blood samples to the hospital to test for Typhoid and Hepatitis B. We have to ensure that the people selling are very fit" She entreated the various Municipal Assembly to embark similar exercises adding that it will not only help save lives of the consumers but also the vendors. "Having the medical certificate is very important" she added. Some market women who spoke to Thinknewsonline.com commended the Municipal Assembly for the initiative. They, therefore called on the Municipal Assembly to reduce the amount charged for the periodic health screening. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Information reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that fifteen persons have sustained various degrees of injuries following a ghastly accident which occurred on the Accra-Gomoa Domeanse highway earlier today. According to eye witnesses, driver of Metro Mass bus lost his balance and run into a parked truck carrying onions. It is emerging that the truck was heading towards Gomoa Domeanse while the Metro Mass bus was heading towards Accra. An eye witness who spoke on anonymity said "The truck driver while on his journey noticed that the clouds had formed hence the need to park and cover the onions to avoid it from being beaten by the rains" "The bus driver from nowhere lost his balance and run into the parked truck" The eye witness also noted that the unfortunate incident left other road users with no option than to slow down and while others helped in rescuing the lives of the passengers in the bus. The injured were rushed to the Winneba Hospital. The Ghana National Fire Service rushed to the scene upon receiving a phone call. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghanaian football giant, Hearts of Oak and midfielder Gladson Awako have parted company on mutual consent ahead of the new season. The 2009 FIFA U20 World Cup winner joined the Phobians in August 2021 from City rivals Great Olympics, signing a three-year contract with the club. Despite having a year left on his existing contract, both parties have reached an agreement to go their separate ways ahead of the start of the 2023/24 season. Awako established himself as a key cog to the Phobians, helping the club to annex a couple of trophies including the FA Cup and President Cup. The experienced midfielder was named as captain of the club after the departure of Fatawu Mohammed. He has had stints with several clubs in the local scene, featuring for Berekum Chelsea, Heart of Lions and others. Awako who had limited game time last season due to injury setbacks is expected to find himself a new club before the season start. Source: footballghana.com

News coming in indicates that Ghanaian Hiplife artiste of the year Black Sherif, has been arrested at the Kotoko International Airport and whisked to the police headquarters in Accra. The arrest follows Sherif’s failure to honour a show in Greece. It is emerging that the artiste had agreed to perform in Greece for $40,000. The organiser committed $20,000 as initial payment for Sherif to perform however Sherrif failed to honour. He has been taken to police headquarter for further interrogation. Story by: Thinknewsonline.com

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate Aspirant for the Abuakwa North Constituency, Dr. Palgrave Boakye- Danquah, has established a charcoal business for an elderly woman in the Abuakwa North Constituency in the Eastern Region. The move comes after Dr. Boakye-Danquah recognised the potential for change hence empowering the woman into the charcoal business. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by women in society, Dr. Boakye-Danquah believes the charcoal business will providing the woman a sustainable source of income. The woman, whose identity remain anonymous, had been struggling to make ends meet due to limited opportunities and financial constraints. Palgrave Boakye- Danquah recognized her determination and entrepreneurial spirit, which inspired him to support her in establishing a charcoal business. Palgrave Boakye- Danquah provided the necessary resources to kickstart the charcoal business. He ensured that the woman had access to high-quality charcoal, essential equipment and a sustainable location to operate from. Additionally, he offered her training and mentorship to help her understand the intricacies of running a successful business. Dr. Palgrave Boakye- Danquah's decision to set up a charcoal business for a deserving woman will not only empower the woman but also boost the Abuakwa North Constituency economy locally. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, has announced that cabinet has approved the National Space Policy. Accordingto him, it will provide a framework for the use of space science and technology for national development. He also revealed that his Ministry under the Ghana Korea KInovation partnership programme unvieled the 10 year masterplan to specifically enhance the commercialisation of Research and Innovation. The Minister also reiterated that his Ministry has competed the review of Ghana's National Science Technology and Innovation (STI) policy with technical and financial support from UNESCO, under Environment Protection. He stressed that the Ministry together with its partners have further implemented Plasticfree School in two schools ( St.John Bosco Basic School and Accra Technical Training Center (ATTC) in Accra. He mentioned that President Akufo-Addo has approved the inclusion of nuclear technology into Ghana's power generation mix and the NRA has issued 726 authorisation to industrial, medical and research institute. He added that enforcement notices to 10 facilities for non compliance has also been issued. Story by: Bella Bridgette Naa Borley Aborjoe

The Ahafo Regional Minister, Hon. George Boakye has commissioned the Goaso Integrated Recycling and Composting Plant in Ahafo. Located at Akrodie in the Asunafo North in the Ahafo region, the Plant is an integrated waste processing and recycling facility established to receive and process solid waste and produce organic manure for agronomic purposes in the region and plastic pellets as raw material for industries. Commissioning the Plant, the Regional Minister noted that the establishment of the project is part of the government's agenda to reduce unemployment in the region and the country as a whole. "It will help to solve our unemployment problem by employing close to 800 youth as well as supply our farmers with high-grade compost while protecting and keeping the environment clean," he stressed. He reiterated that the government remains steadfast to collaborate with the private sector to propel the economy, and one of such is the partnership with the Jospong Group of Companies to manage and recycle waste across the country. He noted that in the past, managing waste generated in the region has been a challenge leading to insanitary conditions, but the establishment of the facility will efficiently address all that. "Before the establishment of the facility, waste was just dumped at the landfill which posed a lot of health and environmental risk to the people of the community," he narrated. Hon. Boakye observed that the 1.4% annual population growth rate of the region impacts negatively on waste generation and its management, hence the need to find a lasting and environmentally friendly solution to the challenge. "The volume of waste generated demanded that we look for more environmentally friendly means of managing our waste," he added. President and Omanhene of the Kukuom Traditional Council, Osahene Kwaku Aterkyi II, commended the Jospong Group and the government in ensuring that the project comes to life adding that the project will facilitate economic growth of the region. "This project will spur development in the region," he noted. He was pleased that the facility, apart from keeping the environment clean, will also provide jobs for the teeming youth. The President of the Slovenia- Ghana Business Club, Gilbert Yelewere Meznar, on his part, noted that the project was financed by the Slovenia Eximbank. Adding that the EximBank also supported the Sefwi and Dambai Integrated. He stressed that Slovenia has a slot to offer. "We have the technology and innovation to transfer," he stated. He pledged that Club will endeavour to facilitate more partnerships, especially with green projects that meet global goals. Speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman of Jospong Group, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, the Group Manager for Treasury and Investment, Mr. Lawrence Agbin noted that finding solutions to waste challenges demands collaborative efforts from all stakeholders. He emphasized that with the establishment of the facility, no longer will waste be collected n discarded haphazardly in the region. He therefore urged the citizens to segregate their waste. He mentioned that the facility, which is in line with the SGD goals and can be used as a research centre, will minimize environmental impact by improving the air quality in the region. The plant, which is one of the 16 plants being constructed across the country, has the capacity to create 300 direct jobs and about 500 indirect jobs. The facility has a capacity to process 400 tonnes of solid waste a day. The plant core function revolves around composting, enabling it to convert over 60% of the daily waste into high-quality compost for organic farming. The state-of-the-art compost and recycling plants is part of Zoomlion Ghana Limited’s Integrated Recycling and Compost Plant (IRECOP), a waste processing and recycling facility established by the Jospong Group of Companies to receive, sort, process and recycle waste. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith