The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman for the Akim Oda Constituency, Ampaabeng Assimeng, has reportedly admitted that the party made arrangements for money which was to be given to voters on the day of the Assin North by-elections. In an audio recording played on Accra-based Onua FM, on July 6, 2023, Ampaabeng Assimeng revealed that the polling station (PS), he was supervising received GH¢600,000 which was to be given to voters. He said that the money, however, was not given to supporters of the NPP which led to them voting against the party’s candidate in the Assin North by-election" “What happened was that the money went into the wrong hands. We don’t know who the monies were given and the amount that was left. At the four polling stations, we were supervising, our leadership made us understand that that money that was allocated to them was GH¢600,000, that is 600 billion old cedis but look at the votes we got,” he said in the Twi dialect. The NPP constituency chairman cautioned that if the party fails to put the necessary steps in place it might suffer the same fate in the 2024 general elections. "The polling stations we are talking about are NPP strongholds. In previous elections with a voter population of 2000, the NPP gets 1600 votes, the NDC around 400. But see what happened during the by-election, we were winning by only 8 or 10.“Things are not going well and if this should be how we are going to break the 8, God should have mercy on us,” he said. About the Assin North election According to the Electoral Commission's announcement, James Gyakye Quayson garnered a total of 17,245 votes, representing 57.56% of the total votes cast. His closest contender, Charles Opoku of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), received 12,630 votes, accounting for 42.15% of the votes. Bernice Enyonam Sefenu of the Liberal Party Ghana (LPG) secured 87 votes, which represented 0.29% of the overall tally. The by-election in Assin North was held to fill the parliamentary seat left vacant following a legal battle that questioned Quayson's eligibility to hold office due to dual citizenship concerns. Credit: Onua Tv

The Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation has revealed that the use of tobacco, alcohol and diets high in sugar-sweetened beverages account for over 17,000 deaths in Ghana yearly. According to the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages are all harmful to the human health. In a health taxes revenue forecast and recommendations for Ghanaian policymakers release sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it said "Increasing taxes on tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages by implementing specific excise taxes can generate GHc3.5 billion in additional excise tax revenue in 2023. The release added that increasing tobacco taxes by introducing a specific excise tax of GHc6 on cigarettes in Ghana will satisfy the ECOWAS directive of a specific minimum excise tax of at least US$0.40 per pack. Reading a statement on behalf of the WHO Representative to Ghana and WHO Country office, Francis Kasolo, Technical Officers in charge of Quality and Safety, Dr. Angela Ackon congratulated the Government of Ghana for its decision to raise health taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages in the new Excise Duty Act, signed by President Akufo -Addo on 14 April, 2023. She added that Ghana ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2004, but progress over the years have been slow. "Ghana, like many other countries, faces a substantial burden from NCDs. According to recent data, NCDs account for approximately 43% of all deaths in our country. Cardiovascular diseases, in particular, are responsible for a significant proportion of these deaths. Additionally, the prevalence of risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and harmful use of alcohol remains alarmingly high" "As a priority country, the Norway NCD Flagship initiative supports the implementation of NCD-focused projects in Ghana including those focused on (1) health taxes, (2) health policy analysis on NCDs and taxes, and (3) bringing NCD treatment and care services to those in need. This work builds on that of the Heads of State and Government Group, comprised of the WHO, Ghana, and Norway, aimed at accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target for NCDs. Leveraging each of these channels, the WHO and partners aim to support Ghana in fulfilling its commitments under the NCD Global Compact and offering technical assistance, where needed" She further mentioned that health taxes are among the most effective policies Member States can take to prevent NCDs. She stressed that health taxes can be a win-win-win strategy: a win for public health (and averted health-care costs), a win for government revenue, and a win for health equity. She revealed that in line with wHO guidleines, the tax bill introduced a mixed system with a sizable specific component. "WHO estimates that the cigarette tax increase alone will avert more than 25 thousand deaths among Ghana's current cohort of adults and youth and more than double the government revenue from cigarette excise taxes" The statement disclosed that the tax increase on tobacco is also an important accomplishment because it sets a new benchmark for other countries in the region. She hinted that the new excise duty act includes other life-saving provisions. "It introduced the tax on e-cigarette liquids at levels comparable to many high-income countries and doubled the tax rate for spirits and wines. Finally, it increased the tax rate on sugar-sweetened beverages, and fruit juices" "The recent amendment to Ghana's health tax policy is therefore truly remarkable achievement. It will improve health outcomes, boost revenues for public programs towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and support the achievement of health-related Sustainable Development Goals" She stressed that to fully unlock the potential benefits of these taxes, Ghana must overcome challenges that extend beyond the mere enactment of new increases. "Health taxes must be implemented as part of a comprehensive package of interventions aimed at tackling obesity and diet-related NCDs, based on global best practices and recommendations; and also as part of a broad set of fiscal policies embedded within a comprehensive , whole -of- government approach to promoting public health and well-being" She noted that WHO remains committed in assisting the Government to promote healthy lifestyles and support programmes to tackle the NCD menace. Taking his turn, Deputy Minister of Health, Mahama Asei Seini said "the concept of health tax is a powerfully tool for revenue generation that has been successfully implemented in many countries" He explained that health taxes involve levying charges on products that are deemed harmful to health such as tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages. He hinted that these taxes generate revenue and discourage the consumption of these harmful products thereby reducing the incidence of NCDs. "For us in the health sector, we are happy that the health taxes will promote healthier choices" "Parliament of Ghana passed the Excise Duty Amendment Act 2023 (Act 1093) which increase ld the excise duty charged on specific goods such as cigarettes, tobacco products, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages produced locally and imported. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The just ended world’s leading trade fair for water, sewage, waste, and raw material management (IFAT 2023) took place in Johannesburg, South Africa on 5th - 7th July, 2023. The three- day exhibition and conference saw a delegation of eight officers from subsidiaries of the E&S Cluster of the Jospong Group of Companies namely (Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Sewerage Systems Ghana Limited, AfES Consult and Waste Landfill). Despite the main theme being on Water and Waste Water Treatment, Solid waste, and Medical Waste, the team was tasked to drive a strong awareness campaign on the 360 integrated waste management services the cluster provides in Municipal Solid Waste, Industrial waste, and the processing of waste recyclables. Over one hundred exhibitors and approximately 5,000 visitors gracing the three day event, confirmed the fair as a giant platform for the exhibition of environmental technologies. IFAT Johannesburg 2023, exhibition and conference was a concentrated knowledge transfer, and networking event that has over the years drawn interest from across the world. This year’s edition as usual attracted a global participation, with delegates from as far afield as Germany, Austria, China, Italy, Norway, the UK, and Ghana. Having attracted exhibitors from different countries and visitors from other countries, the show offered perspective on urgent matters like the circular economy and resource efficiency, confirming its position as the world's leading platform for water, sewage, waste, and raw material management. Taking her turn on Tuesday during a presentation, the General Manager, SSGL Private, Ms. Lola Asiseh Ashitey threw more light on the journey and achievements of the Jospong Group of Companies in the area of waste management in Ghana. Participants present lauded the Jospong Group of Companies for establishing Zoomlion, Dredge Masters, and Sewage Systems, IRECOP, Waste landfill, among others, adding that a collective effort from these subsidiaries has seen Ghana not only making progress in the environmental space but also in the recycling of reusable waste materials into new and beneficial products in Sub-Saharan Africa and the world across. Also during a Breakfast meeting organized by Cleantech Business Roundtable, Switzerland Global Enterprise, and the Norway Embassy, the General Manager, Ms. Lola Asiseh Ashitey, and Elsie N. E Ekumah, Asst. Technical Manager PSB again threw more light on the good works of the Jospong Group and emphasized the advanced technological waste water treatment practices employed by her company. On their part, Mr. Edmond Kweku Vidjah, The Business Development Manager of Zoomlion, Dr. Yahaya Yakubu, Director Environmental Analysis and Consultancy of AfES Consult, Mr. Richard Omani, the Operations Manager of Waste Landfill, Ms. Cynthia Gbadago, Zoomlion PSL, Mr. Jephthah Tetteh, Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer of Zoomlion and Nana Kofi Tego, Communications Officer of the JOSPONG Group engaged investors and prospective partners from South Africa and all participating countries who were impressed with the exploits in Ghana and across Africa on possible future collaborations in their countries. . The 3-day event is one of the main events that pulls participation across multiple industries in the environmental and engineering space in the manner it did. Exhibitors and visitors immensely benefitted from our international network and global partnerships with associations, key industry players, and the media. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Zambia President, H. E. Hakainde Hichilema has assured the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC) of his readiness to unlock all rigidities in Zambia to allow Jospong's conglomerate to revolutionalize the waste and technology sectors up to the speed of Ghana. He expressed satisfaction about what Ghana has done so far through Jospong to be able to create value from the waste menace. President Hichilema was addressing leaders of the Jospong Group of Companies at the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP) in Accra during a working visit to Ghana. He said leaders of Africa have shifted focus on talking politics to how to create opportunities for the African people and that is the new paradigm on the table. "We don't need you to persuade us to give you the opportunity to operate; it is our responsibility to build African businesses that will give jobs to our people" he assured. He was categorical in his assurance to the JGC that, he (President) would immediately set up a committee at the Zambia Presidency to coordinate with the Jospong team to start work as a matter of urgency. "We won an election massively, and we are going to walk the talk to improve the lives of the people" adding that Africans must learn how to choose their leaders so that these leaders can work to the larger benefit of the people. The Executive Chairman, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong who received the entourage with his better half, Mrs. Adelaide Araba Agyepong, and key executives of the JGC said the nature of African waste is that organic waste constitutes 61%. He said, we, therefore, must turn all that component of waste into fertilizer and the rest are plastics 14%, leather, glass 3%, textiles 2%  and e-waste 5%, among others was exactly what Jospong is doing in Africa. He assured the Zambia President and his entourage of immediate action in that regard where several waste recycling plants and mechanisms will be put in place to rid their cities of the waste menace. The President was accompanied by the Zambian Ministers for tourism Hon. Rodney Sikumba, Mines and Minerals, Hon. Paul Kabuswe, the Ambassador to Ghana and Ghana's Ambassador to Zambia together with members of the diplomatic corps among others. The entourage toured the waste management facility to abreast themselves of its operations. Story by : Joshua Kwabena Smith

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is filled with deep sorrow as they gather to bid their final farewell to the late Takoradi Constituency Women’s Organiser, Mrs. Rosemond Osaebea Mends. The national women organiser of NPP, Kate Gyamfua, along with the women’s wing, NPP national leaders, and Takoradi Constituency Executives have extended an invitation to all NPP executives, members, and sympathizers to join in the funeral proceedings. Mrs. Rosemond Osaebea Mends, who passed away recently, was a dedicated member of the NPP and served in multiple roles within the party. Prior to her tenure as the Takoradi Constituency Women’s Organiser, she had a remarkable track record of service, having served two terms as a Polling Station Women Organiser and one term as a Polling Station Chairperson. Her commitment and dedication to the party’s cause were evident in her previous positions. After demonstrating her leadership and organizational skills, Mrs. Mends was appointed as the Deputy Women Organizer for one term, further solidifying her contribution to the party. Recognizing her exceptional abilities, she was subsequently elected as the Woman Organizer, serving two terms and leaving an indelible mark on the NPP and the Takoradi Constituency. The final funeral rites to honor the late Mrs. Rosemond Osaebea Mends will be held on the following dates: Friday, 7th July 2023: No Wake Keeping. Saturday, 8th July 2023: The burial service will take place at the SIC park, situated off the GHAPOHA Hospital – Naval Base Road, commencing at 8am. Sunday, 9th July 2023: A thanksgiving service will be held at the HOUSEHOLD OF FAVOUR CHAPEL, located adjacent to Ahenfie Hotel in Takoradi. Following the service, a refreshing gathering will be held at the Takoradi SIC Park, starting at 8:00 AM. The NPP earnestly urges all members and sympathizers to honor the late Mrs. Rosemond Osaebea Mends by attending these solemn occasions and paying tribute to her remarkable life and service. During this difficult time, the NPP and its Women’s Wing express their heartfelt appreciation for the support and condolences received. The NPP family mourns the loss of a remarkable and influential member, Rosemond Osaebea Mends, whose remarkable contributions will forever be cherished and remembered. Credit: Eveningmail

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Messe Muenchen India, Bhupinder Singh has praised Africa for its huge interest and participation in this year's IFAT-Africa being held in South Africa. According to him, Africa is drawing lots of interest from across the world. Speaking at the IFAT-Africa 2023, he said "Africa is drawing interest from across the world. This year, we have truly global participation with delegates from as far afield as Germany, Austria, China, Italy, Norway and the UK" He also added that Africa will present research and science from local labs that are solving critical challenges. Bhupinder Singh further noted that the IFAT-Africa conference will also offer perspectives on urgent matters like the circular economy and resource efficiency. He was optimistic, the IFAT-Africa will showcase a dynamic participation from the African and international community. Bhupinder Singh underscored the importance of sustainable development, a circular economy, waste management and a rapid transition towards localised R&D as IFAT-Africa's core objective. On her part, Katharina Schlegel, of Messe Muenchen Germany stated that the event will tackle issues relevant across the SADC region and the broader continent. She further explained that IFAT-Africa was gratified to have the African Water and Sanitation Association hosting their meeting at the event for its first time likewise host guests from across Africa. The event seeks to address, tackle and find lasting solutions through the extensive exhibition areas, high-level discussion forums, workshops. She expressed gratitude to partners and exhibitors for being phenomenal. "In partnership with leading industry bodies, participants are networking, doing business and addressing common issues. We are also showcasing solutions and services from the biggest brands, all under one roof for three days" She revealed that the successful return of IFAT-Africa and analytica Lab Africa pave the way for ongoing growth and an even bigger and better event next year. Taking her turn, General Manager, SSGL Private, threw more light on the journey and achievements of Jospong Group of Companies in the area of waste management in Ghana. She lauded Jospong Group of Companies for establishing Zoomlion, Dregde Masters, Sewage Systems among others adding that collective efforts from these subsidiaries has seen Ghana not only making progress in the environmental space but also recycling reusable material to create new and beneficial products. She noted that per the successes chalked by Jospong Group of Companies in Waste Management, it is opened to investors to collaborate in ensure that filth and waste is totally dealt with in Africa. Deputy Head of Mission of the Germany Embassy in South Africa, Enrico Brandt, reiterated that Africa offers very important platforms for foreign direct investment. He noted that in turn, international organisations ought provide lots of palns and solutions which will help the African Continent to deal with these challenges. He spoke at the official opening of the three-day IFAT-Africa trade show for the water, sewage, refuse and recycling industry, co-located with analytica Lab Africa. The three days event is the only trade show in South Africa for the of laboratory technology, analysis, biotechnology and diagnostics sectors. IFAT-Africa and analytica Lab Africa, running at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand until 7 July, bring together multiple synergistic industry sectors for networking and discovery. About 5,000 visitors from across Africa are expected to be part of the events to view thousands of solutions from hundreds of brands. “Africa offers a broad variety of opportunities for foreign direct investment and cooperation. South Africa, as with any other industrialised nation, faces challenges of limited resources and waste management.” "Markets are becoming more informed and quality control has become a critical aspect. Therefore it’s crucial for South African companies to invest in the necessary equipment to enhance quality control processes.” About IFAT-Africa As Africa's leading environmental trade fair, IFAT Africa offers an effective business and networking platform for South African and international professionals in the environmental sector and is accompanied by a first-class supporting program. It is the ideal platform for professionals in the environmental industry to develop business, exchange ideas and network. Leading Event: IFAT Africa is the leading trade fair in Southern Africa for Water, Sewage, Refuse and Recycling. Market Leaders: IFAT Africa gathers numerous market leaders of the environmental technology sector. Global Network: IFAT Africa is a part of the worldwide IFAT network, including IFAT Munich in Germany, IE expo China, IE expo Guangzhou/Shenzhen and IE expo Chengdu in China, IFAT India in India and IFAT Eurasia in Turkey. Exhibitors and visitors benefit from our international network and our global partnerships with associations, key industry players and media. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Amnesty International has called on Parliament to throw out the Human Sexual and Family Values Bill that seeks to criminalize LGBTQ currently before the House for consideration. Speaking on Starr Today with Joshua Kodjo Mensah Wednesday, the Country Director for Amnesty International, Genevieve Partington indicated that the bill under consideration in Ghana’s Parliament violates human rights. “It is good to hear people’s point of views and to also give those who are pro-LGBTQ a chance to express why this bill should not be passed. So I think it is a healthy discussion even though some personS decide to go below the belt, but in all it’s a healthy discussion. “But in terms of Amnesty we certainly believe that this bill should not be passed, it should be thrown out in its entirety. It completely violates human rights and Parliament should not consider it at all. I feel like the Parliamentarians should be spending their time on bigger issues in Ghana,” Madam Partington stated. She continued: “There are places that do not have water and electricity, those are the things we should focus on, not the bill.” However, the Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Andy Appiah Kubi has stated that President Akufo-Addo has no option than to sign the LGBTQ Bill if passed. According to the MP, President Akufo-Addo cannot say he will not sign the Human sexual And family values Bill into law after it has been passed by parliament because he is bound by the constitution. “The clergy, civil society, even the Muslim community, so the whole Ghana is unanimous in the rejection of such an invitation to engage in LGBTQ so the President has no option" “He has no option but to accent to the bill. I am positive and hopeful that the President will accent to the Bill to be law,” the lawmaker told Starr News. Credit: Starr Fm

Ranking Member on the Health Committee of Parliament, Mintah Akandoh has expressed disappointment in the Akufo-Addo led administration over its delay in releasing funds to the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). According to him, the delay is not only unnecessary but also an avenue to halt the activities of the FDA in ensuring food and drug safety in the country. Addressing the media on Parliament on Thursday, Mr. Mintah Akandoh said "The FDA has placed on hold its market surveillance and also GMP due to lack of funds. So should any fake or expired product(s) get imported into the country, it will end up endangering the lives of citizens" "As we speak, it has emerged that there is a disease called anthrax which has found its way into the country. Anthrax affects meat which are consumed. If funds have been released to the FDA by now, they would have began embarking on surveillance in markets and restaurants" On the GMP, he said "The FDA through GMP gets the opportunity to travel outside the country to observe how some foods are processed but they have stopped that too." Mr. Akandoh charged government to instruct the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta to immediately release funds to the FDA in order to boost their work and help save lives. In other developments, efforts by Thinknewsonline.com to get the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to respond to the issue have proved futile as the Institution has declined to speak. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Former Hearts of Oak team manager, Saban Quaye, has emphatically dismissed the notion of “Juju” or black magic in football, stating that it is purely a matter of psychology. Quaye, who played a key role in the team’s success during the early 2000s, winning the treble under the late legendary coach Cecil Jones Attuquayefio, expressed his views in a recent interview. “Yes, I said it. There is no Juju in football. It was all psychology. I learned that and was using it. You know Kotoko and Hearts are traditional clubs and the supporters really helped me a lot,” Quaye confidently stated during an interview with Kessben Sports. “Jones Attuquayefio appointed me as the team manager and told me I’m the welfare officer. How to get the three points was always what I was thinking about. I had a Muslim friend in the north who taught me a lot about how to get lucky,” Quaye explained. While Quaye acknowledged the impact of psychology and the support from loyal supporters, he was firm in his belief that black magic, often referred to as “Juju,” had no place in football. He credited his success to psychological tactics and the receptive attitude of his players. “I learned all that from him, and luckily for me, the boys I had listened well. I repeat, there is no Juju in football, it was all psychology,” Quaye emphasized. In addition to his accomplishments at Hearts of Oak, Quaye also served as the team manager of the Ghana senior national team, the Black Stars. Although he recently faced a health setback, he has made a full recovery. Credit: 3news.com

A 25-year-old Cameroonian lady, Danny Zara says she will be embarking on a mission to break the current Guiness World Record for the longest S£x duration. The current record for the longest S£x duration (15 hours 7 minutes & 23secs) was set by a Nigerian man since 2013. Danny Zara says she will be attempting to set a new record of 200hours. She added that she need strong men to line up for selection. Credit: Thinknewsonline.com

Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma West Constituency, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has said the use of sex toys and the practising of oral and anal sex, irrespective of the genders involved, is against Ghana's laws. She made these remarks while sharing her thoughts on the promotion of proper sexual human rights and the Ghanaian family values bill that seeks to outlaw all forms of sexuality that find classification under the LGBTQIA+ spectrum The MP who doubles as Minister of Communication and Digitalisation, said:“For the avoidance of doubt, and the information of all Ghanaians, oral sex, anal sex regardless of whether it is between woman and man, man and man, or woman and woman, is illegal under our law and, so, if there is anybody who is practising oral sex or anal sex, please note that what you are doing is against the existing law of this country" "And, so, I will urge any woman or young girl being subjected to any such practice under the guise of heterosexual sex to know that what they are being asked to do is against the law and must seek help from the police", she added. She explained: "Anal sex is unnatural carnal knowledge" and the "use of sex toys" is also "unnatural carnal knowledge". Credit: Class Fm

Award-winning Gospel musician Piesie Esther says there is no way she is going to waste her time fighting women who chase her husband. According to the “Waye Me Yie” hitmaker, she is not going to do that because there are some people who may truly like her husband with no bad intentions hence fighting with people of that nature will be a waste of time. “You should know the motive behind the relationship your husband has with the woman. There are some people who naturally love you and he/she would always want to be around you and there is bad intention”. She told Fiifi Pratt on Kingdom FM in an interview monitored by MyNewsGH.com. She advised that women need to study how ladies relate with their husbands before making a verdict. “If your husband is truthful, he will let you know the kind of conversation they have, sometimes he will put the phone on loudspeaker for you to hear their conversation”. Piesie Esther said. She advised, however, that “if you notice that, the said lady is trying to lure your husband, then should cut such relationship off”. Credit: 1 Ghana Tv