The Minister of Defence, Dominic Nitiwul has disclosed that Akufo-Addo administration has tripled the salaries of the military and police personnel in the last few months. He said soldiers and police in Ghana are being taken very good care of by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the Minister said it is always important to make sure that the security services are well catered for. “Mr Speaker, for the Armed Forces in particular, the salaries of the armed forces have been more than tripled. It is the same thing with the police service and the same thing with the other security services because a hungry soldier is an angry soldier. That is why it is important that our security services are well taken care of.” Regarding the recent military brutalities in Ashaiman, Dominic Nitiwul had called for respect for people in uniform. He said to avoid the unfortunate situation that happened in Ashaiman a few days ago between the military and residents of the town, servicemen should be respected. “I will appeal to the people of Ghana to be respectful of people in uniform, it will help all of us. I will not say anything else until we, the committee members, have gone on Thursday to the place and ascertained things for ourselves.” The Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament has also revealed that the committee together with the Ministry of Defence and the Military High Command will pay a visit to the Ashaiman community on Thursday, March 16. Credit: Pulse GH

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr Mustapha Ahmed, has been sentenced to seven days imprisonment by the Accra High Court (Financial and Economic Crime Division 2), for contempt of court. On June 12, 2019, the court in a judge­ment, granted a perpetual injunction restrain­ing the former minister, then the defendant, from trespassing on the land, but he violated the order. The court also fined him GH¢12,000 or in default serve 30 days in prison. If paid, the court presided over by Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, ordered that GH¢5,000 out of the fine should be paid to Kofi Ammoah Kwafo, the man, who ini­tiated the contempt application against Dr Ahmed, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Director-General of Logistics of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). The contempt motion originated from a land litigation case, six years ago, in which Dr Ahmed, a former Member of Parliament for Ayawaso North, sold land to Mr Kwafo, in the year 2000, and repossessed it with the excuse of having made a mistake. In the contempt application, the appli­cant, Mr Kwafo, attached the Chief of Defence Staff and the Director-General of Logistics because the personnel of the GAF, occupying a property built on the land in dispute resisted execution of the judgement of the court. Justice Asare-Botwe, who is a Court of Appeal judge, sitting with additional re­sponsibility as a High Court judge, noted in her judgement that both Chief of Defence Staff and the Director-General of Logistics were not personally served with copies of the court land litigation judgement of 2019. In his affidavit in support and written address, Mr Kwafo stated that the respon­dents conducted themselves in a manner as to bring the administration of justice into disrepute by defying the authority of the court. For instance, the applicant argued that the first respondent, purportedly disposed of the property to the GAF, in 2017, which document was executed in 2018 and the ap­plication for registration, therefore, having been made in 2021 when the judgement of the court was already handed down. Mr. Kwafo said that the officers of the GAF were in contempt of court when they resisted the execution of the judgement of the court. Mr. Kwafo was represented by Mr Kwaku Osei Asare as counsel.Counsel for Dr Ahmed, Mr Christopher A. Fynn, in his written submission, stated that his client cannot be found to be in con­tempt since no evidence had been canvassed to show that he had fallen in breach of any order, direction or judgement of the court to merit such action. He denied having backdated the assign­ment of the sub-matter to the GAF or any other allegation of fraud and stated that, this was a ploy to enforce the judgement handed down by the court by a means other than what was prescribed by the rules of court. The former minister stated that the applicant was deploying an incompetent process in bringing the application to incite the court against him and the other respon­dents. The Chief of Defence Staff and the Di­rector of Logistics told the court that there was no evidence of a writ of possession having been properly obtained and served them as they had not been parties to the suit. Itwas their case that posting the judge­ment on the property and writing to the GAF was not a proper procedure for notify­ing them of the judgement. Source: The Ghanaian Times

The Queen mother of the Mampong, Traditional Area, Nana Agyakuma Difie II has called on all Queen mothers across the country to come on board government's agenda to establish 500,000 hectares of bamboo plantations between the year 2015-2040, starting off with a 1000 hectares during this year's Green Ghana Day. The Mamponghemaa made this call when the Asanteman Queen Mothers embarked on a field trip to the Bamboo Common Production and Training Centre at Obogu in the Ashanti Region, organised by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Forest Plantation Fund Board as part of a two-day sensitization workshop for Asanteman Queen Mothers on Bamboo and Rattan plantation development. She explained the need for the Queen mothers to onboard this project, saying "This it obviously lucrative as it would not take much to plant and cultivate but will give off so much from the sale and production and I personally believe this will go a long way to help your communities. She added that the Bamboo is not only lucrative but will also contribute to government’s reafforestation agenda which ties into the bigger picture of helping mitigate climate change. The Queen mother could not hide her bewilderment and excitement over the number of beautiful artifacts the Bamboo plant could produce. "I am particularly excited about the toothpicks and the Kebab sticks they can make. They are stronger than the foreign ones we know and this tells us that Ghana has a Great future" After a tour of the facility, the Queen Mother was certain that the perception of all the Asanteman Queen Mothers about Bamboo has changed for the better and hoped that as they return back to their various Kingdoms, they will spread the good news for all to know. On behalf of the Ashantiman Queen mothers, Nana Difie II expressed her profound gratitude to the Ministry, and the Forest Plantation Fund Board for organising such an informative and educative workshop which has challenged them to embark on this journey. She pledged the Asanteman Queen Mother's full commitment and assured the Ministry and government, that as the Traditional authorities spearheading this project, they will marshall all efforts to ensure the overall success of this all important project. "Not matter the journey, we are with you 100% and we will see to it that this is a success" On his part, Mr. George Sarpong, the General instructor at the Bamboo Common Production and Training Centre and President of Ghana National Bamboo and Rattan Association called on government for support to help boost the production of bamboo and bamboo artifacts in commercial quantities. On a tour at the factory and training centre, Mr. George Sarpong took the Queen mothers through the processes of producing some of the Artifacts from bamboo including toothpick, Kebab sticks, cups among others. He also took the Queen mothers to see a bamboo plantation nearby where he showed and explained the types of bamboos, thier uses and commercial value. Bamboo is a very fast growing, renewable and easy-to-grow resource. It is an extremely versatile material with over 1,500 uses including construction, clothes, food and fuel. The plant has over 1000 species of which growa from it’s roots. This amazing plant grows in both tropical and temperate environments and is very hard, not needing pesticides or herbicides to grow well. Also on the trip with the Queen Mothers were the Technical Director for Forestry at the Ministry, Mr. Joseph Osiakwan, The Administrator for the Forest Plantation Fund Board, Madam Alberta Essuman and other officials of the Ministry and the Forest Plantation Fund Board. Story by: Nadia Aidoo

The Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) has revealed that an earth tremor has hit some parts of the Greater Accra Region. According to GGSA, the earth tremor which occurred at 9:49am on March 10 had a magnitude of 2.8 on the Ritcher scale. In a release signed by the Acting Director-General, Ghana Geological Survey Authority, Isaac Kuuwan Mwinbelle, he said "The epicenter is located 1.5km offshore near Jamestown in Greater Accra Region. The recorded magnitude is indicative of the extent of the tremor. The earth tremor is a minor one and so it is not expected to cause damage" The release also revealed that the tremor was slightly felt in High Street, Ridge and some other parts of Accra Central. "These are natural occurrences and therefore difficult to predict. The Authority is committed to continuously monitoring these events and informing the public appropriately to ensure public safety and miniseries risk" Below is a copy of the relea Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, on Thursday, March 9 embarked on an unannounced visit to Osu Presbyterian Senior High School in the Greater Accra Region. This is part of his routine unannounced visits to schools in Ghana. “I inspected most of the classrooms while lessons were ongoing and I shared lessons from my life experiences and that of other great personalities like Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Barrack Obama, and many others with the students and encouraged them to study hard and excel regardless of their various backgrounds,” he wrote. Dr Adutwum also announced a one-year pre-tertiary engineering programme to be offered at the university to students with non-science background but who wish to pursue engineering at the tertiary level. “In addition, I pledged to furnish some classrooms with paints and louver blades to make it a convenient learning environment for students and also provide textbooks for efficient learning. Credit: 3news.com

A 35-year-old man who allegedly abused his 15-year-old daughter sexually and claims the act “is a tradition” has been put before a Gender Based Violence Court at the Police Headquarters in Accra. Bless Gatogo, alleged to have abused his daughter on three occasions at Okushiebiade, near Amasaman in the Greater Accra Region, has been charged with incest and defilement. The accused person has denied the charges. The court presided over by Mrs Dora Eshun has admitted Gatogo to bail in the sum of GHC20,000 with two sureties who are to be known by the Police. The court has adjourned the matter to March 27 for the case management conference. Chief Inspector Simon Tekpor said the victim was a 15-year-old JHS two pupil while the accused was a mason and the biological father of the victim. The prosecution said the victim resided with the father (accused) and her stepmother and that in 2022, the victim's stepmother travelled for a funeral leaving the accused person and the victim alone in the house. It said the next day at about 0500 hours, while the accused person and the victim were alone in a room, the accused person allegedly with a cane, ordered the victim to undress. The prosecution said out of fear, the victim obliged, and the accused person forcibly had sexual intercourse with her on a blanket spread on the floor, allegedly. It said on October 20, 2022, the victim's stepmother travelled again and at about 0400 hours, while the victim and her younger brother were asleep in the room, the accused allegedly went into the room and had sexual intercourse with her. In November 2022, the prosecution said Gatogo travelled with the victim to a village known as Sanga in the Volta Region and the same day at night, he allegedly lured the victim into a room and had sex with her for the third time. It said the next day, when the victim and the accused person had returned home, he allegedly told the victim that “it is tradition for him to be having sexual intercourse with her”. According to the prosecution, on January 19, 2023, the victim confided in her teacher who was also a Girl-Child Coordinator. The prosecution said on February 6, 2023, the Coordinator brought the victim to the Amasaman DOVVSU and reported the matter and on February 13, 2023, Gatogo was arrested. Credit: GNA

Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeats singer, Kuami Eugene wants a woman who has a “tough skin” if he has to enter into a relationship with her. He made this revelation when he joined Sika Osei on the Stripped show in a previous episode that aired earlier in March. When asked if he was dating anyone, the former Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) Artiste of the Year said he was currently single but made it clear that dating him will come with some challenges. As such prospective girlfriends should be mentally tough and make sacrifices. "If you want to have me to yourself, it’s going to take some sacrifices because people will just not allow you to date me. Everybody wants a piece of me,” he said. The ‘Angela’ singer who came to the limelight after participating in the musical reality show, MTN Hitmaker in 2016, has nurtured a solid fan base across the world especially among his female audience. Eugene, 26, listed several reasons why a woman in his life will be disappointed including hate from his fans and gossip from different quarters in a bid to squelch their relationship. "They won’t give you the freedom to have Kuami all to yourself,” admitted the singer who has been linked to several females in the past. “You will get a lot of hatred, people will want to hurt you and come at you. That is why I am saying you need to have tough skin.” For the Lynx Entertainment signee, his main aim is to protect the emotions of whichever female walks into his life.“It is not like I am out there trying to give everyone a piece of me but I don’t want to put anyone through such pain because a lot of people love me,” he stressed. Credit: Football Ghana

Two best friends, John Dumelo and Fred Nuamah are not the best of friends at the moment in the political settings of Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency. The two actors who were best men to each other during their marriage ceremonies are both contesting the NDC primaries to snatch the parliamentary seat for the party. The actor who doubles as the CEO of Ghana Movie Awards first announced his intention to contest the NDC's upcoming parliamentary primaries to select candidates to represent the constituencies in the 2024 elections. To the surprise of many, John Dumelo later announced that he will be contesting the Ayawaso West Wuogon primaries. This has left many wondering if Fred Nuamah will rescind his decision but in an interview Graphic Showbiz, he said it's too late. "Frankly, it's late to step down. My brother informed me and a lot of people that he was not going to contest the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency again. He gave me his blessings when I made up my mind to contest.“ "Truthfully, I am surprised about his u-turn because it was evident and crystal clear that he was not going for the Ayawaso seat anymore and rather invested in Guan/SALL,” Fred said. “I would have rather expected him to honour his word when he said he won't contest the seat and, therefore, throw his support behind me. Besides, the argument that my brother made history for the NDC doesn’t hold for me. Our party has been performing quite well in that constituency in previous elections before he contested the last elections.“ "We have even won the presidential votes in Ayawaso before. We always come close to winning the parliamentary; we only lose it by some small margins. So, all the previous candidates, including John Dumelo, did well, but the ultimate is to win and not close a gap or place second,” Fred noted. According to the GMA boss, he's been nursing his political career on the quiet in the last decade and knows what he is about and he is ready for the NDC’s presidential and parliamentary primaries scheduled for Saturday, May 13, 2023. Credit: Pulse GH

The Chairman of the Global Chamber of Business Leaders (GCBL), Dejan Stancer, has called for women around the world to be given top posts in multilateral institutions like the United Nations (UN), the International Atomic Energy Agency  and the World Bank. Mr. Stancer made the call in a speech during a virtual conference organized by the Global Chamber of Business Leaders on March 8, 2023, to celebrate the International Women's Day (IWD). The 2023 edition of IWD was held under the global theme: 'DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality' and was celebrated worldwide to help raise awareness about the need to create equal opportunities for both women and men in the digital or technological world. Speaking under the special theme for the virtual conference: "Unleashing The Power Of Innovation And Technology For Gender Equality," Mr. Stancer bemoaned that "women have held just 12 percent of the top posts in the 33 largest multilateral institutions since 1945, and more than a third of those bodies, including all four major development banks, have never been led by a woman." He explained that since 1945, the 33 multilateral institutions have had 382 leaders, of whom only 47 were women, adding that "and despite progress in recent years, only one third of institutions are currently headed by women." According to him, five of those bodies have only had one female president in their history, and that includes the current head of the World Trade Organization (WHO), Ngozi Okonjo Iweala. Among the 13 institutions that have never had a woman at their head, Mr. Stancer mentioned, are the World Bank, the UN, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Giving reasons why women must be given opportunities to head multilateral institutions, Mr. Stancer made a demographic argument, saying "Women make up 50 percent of the world's population, so it's demographic justice to begin with.Women bring a combination of leadership, wisdom and empathy. Sometimes women have an even greater understanding of what's going on in the world, and about geopolitics." Women empowerment at GCBL Meanwhile, he said at the Global Chamber of Business Leaders, the situation is completely different, saying the share of women occupying leadership positions is almost 46%. "In the working bodies of GCBL, as we call the committees, of which we have established six, the proportion of women is as much as 50%," he said. According to him, "Appointments to the GCBL are never made on the basis of race, color, political or religious belief, and especially not on the basis of sex. At GCBL, we appoint exclusively on the basis of knowledge and experience. With us, everyone has the same opportunities, even to occupy the highest positions in the organization." About GCBL The Global Chamber of Business Leaders is a coalition of governmental leaders, CEOs and executives, entrepreneurs, investors and business and industry leaders who share a common vision: the sustainable well-being and growth of business in a disruptive and ever-evolving global economy. Global Chamber of Business Leaders prioritizes activities that align with the UN-declared Decade of Action, promoting the importance of the inclusion of the Sustainable Development Goals in the business models of the future, allowing our partners, members, and participants to prepare their businesses to be vanguards of the future. The GCBL fosters a vibrant and interconnected business community, encouraging resiliency, growth and market expansion in a progressive business environment where collaboration spurs growth; education enhances the ability and promotes opportunity; and advocacy influences authority. For more info on the Global Chamber of Business Leaders, visit: https://www.gc-bl.org/about-us, https://www.linkedin.com/company/leadership-conclave-the-heroes-we-deserve/ Credit: African Entertainment

As part of efforts to restore Ghana's degraded landscapes and contribute to global efforts towards the fight against global warming, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Forest Plantation Fund Board has begun a two-day sensitization workshop for Asanteman Queen Mothers on Bamboo and Rattan plantation development, motivating them to actively participate in the Green Ghana Day with a 1000 hectares of these plantations. This workshop comes after the Lands Minister's visit to the Ashanti Region to court support of Queen mothers, on the fight against illegal small-scale mining and a promise to engage them in the 2023 Green Ghana agenda with an initiative of planting bamboos in commercial quantities. Addressing the Queen mothers at the workshop in Kumasi on Thursday, 9th March, 2023, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Lands and Forestry, explained the importance of the workshop to Government saying "the Government of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, has recognised the potential of bamboo and rattan resources in improving the livelihoods of hundreds of people that live near forest ecosystems, combating climate change and addressing the challenges of deforestation and forest degradation in Ghana" He further elaborated that the workshop among other things will provide the Queen mothers with good knowledge and insight on the extent to which bamboo and rattan resources in Ghana can sustain the livelihoods of communities and the enormous opportunities that exit to create jobs especially for women and the youth. He also opined that the outcome of the workshop is very critical as it will increase the number of stakeholders engaged in government efforts to meet the planting targets in the country’s Forest Plantation Strategy, which seeks to establish over 500,000 hectares of new bamboo plantations between 2015 -2040. The Deputy Minister assured the Queen mothers that the maiden sensitization programme is just a pilot and the Ministry will mobilize additional resources to ensure that the programme reaches other regions so as to maximise the benefits of the bamboo industry. "I wish to assure you of the unflinching support of my Minister and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to support this initiative. We will do our maximum best to provide the necessary technical and logistical support to promote this bamboo plantation development enterprise" Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio relished the opportunity to encourage all Queen mothers in the country to support the government’s agenda in the fight against deforestation and forest degradation, especially the fight against galamsey which has resulted in heavy pollution of water bodies across all mining communities in the country. "The fight is not for only government institutions but a collective responsibility from all" he charged. He also urged the Forestry Commission, the Director of International Association of Bamboo and Rattan Development (INBAR) and the Plantation Fund Board to continue to provide the support required to ensure the success of the programme. The Deputy Minister illustrated some unique benefits of Bamboo; bamboo is unique in job creation along the value-chain, it provides alternative livelihoods, it is suitable for reclaiming degraded lands, it is excellent in conserving watersheds, it meets the country’s huge demand for wood fuel, handicrafts, furniture, materials for housing and  also very important for climate change mitigation. The Queen mother of the Mampong, Traditional Area, Nana Agyakuma Difie II and Chairman at the event gave a hearty speech of appreciation to the Ministry, the Minister Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, and the Plantation Fund Board for keeping to their word and making such an important project possible for them. Adding that "I see as a “dream come true”. I am most grateful to the Minister and his Deputy for the recognition of the Queen mothers as a major stakeholder in this area of bamboo enterprise development" The Mamponghemaa charged the Queen Mothers to see this opportunity as a responsibility to their children and generations to come as this she said will help contribute to reduction in global warming and also contribute to government’s reafforestation agenda. She stressed that the bamboo project is not only for the Ashanteman Queen mothers but for all Queen mothers and women in traditional authorities across country, while urging them to take it up and make it a reality. She then assured the Lands Minister, the Ministry and the Plantation Fund Board of their commitment to the course but asked for the support of the Ministry to get a ready market for the bamboo project else their toil will be in vain. The Board Chairman of the Forestry Plantation Fund Board, and Chief of Chiraa Traditional Area, Nana Osei Yaw Barima in his statement promised a collaborative and smooth partnership with the Queen mothers to ensure that the bamboo project is a resounding success. Mr. Joseph Osiakwan, the Technical Director for Forestry at the Ministry who gave a short presentation on the rationale for the workshop hoped that by the end of the two-day workshop, Queen mothers will have indept knowledge on how to plant bamboo, cultivate it and make relevant products which has commercial value from the bamboo plant. The opening session of the workshop saw an exhibition and Technical presentations on Bamboo from Mr. Michael Y Kwaku, the Regional Director for INBAR West Africa, who schooled the Queen mothers on Bamboo and it's uses, Bamboo cultivation and plantation management, Bamboo plantation funding and financial management. The Queen mothers after each presentation took turns to ask questions and further discuss issues that bothered their minds. The opening session of the Bamboo and Rattan plantation development workshop also saw colorful representation and participation from various Queen mothers drawn from Ashanti Bono, Ahafo, Bono East, and Adansi Regions. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

An Islamic burial service has today been held for the young slain soldier, Sheriff Imoro. The Islamic burial service was held at the 37 Military Hospital. It will recalled that late Sheriff Imoro, 21 was stabbed to death at Ashaiman, a community in the Greater Accra Region on Saturday dawn. The death of the young soldier got the Military angry of which they responded by invading the community. Over 160 youths were brutalized. The slain soldier, according to the family was less than a year in the Military. The remains of late Sheriff Imoro was laid to rest at the Military Cemetery in Accra. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Five civilian deaths have been reported, and 40 percent of the residents of Kyiv are without heating in the wake of a huge overnight Russian missile barrage. Ukraine's second-largest city Kharkiv is without power, water or heating. Pre-dawn Russian strikes targeted energy infrastructure across Ukraine on Thursday, resulting in massive power outages following an attack on Europe's largest nuclear power plant. Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said 15 percent of households were without power and 40 percent without heating following explosions in two areas of the Ukrainian capital. Ukraine's second-largest city Kharkiv was left without power, water or heating on Thursday after Russia launched more than 80 cruise missiles at energy facilities across the country. Ukraine's nuclear energy operator said the strikes had also cut off the electricity supply to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is controlled by Russian forces. For the sixth time since it was taken over, the facility is now operating on diesel generators which have an autonomy of 10 days. "The countdown has begun. If it is impossible to renew the external power supply of the station during this time, an accident with radiation consequences for the whole world may occur," Energoatom said. There were also strikes reported on energy plants in several other parts of Ukraine, including Kharkiv in the northeast and the region of Odesa in the southwest. In the Kharkiv region, located on the border with Russia, governor Oleg Synegubov said there had been 15 strikes. Battle for Bakhmut rages The wave of air strikes comes after Russia reported making gains in the battle for the industrial city of Bakhmut, which has been the focus of months of fierce combat. Russia's Wagner mercenary group, which has spearheaded the attack on Bakhmut, claimed to have captured the eastern part of the city. "What we see is that Russia is throwing more troops, more forces and what Russia lacks in quality they try to make up in quantity," Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters in Stockholm on the sidelines of an EU defence ministers meeting on Wednesday. "We cannot rule out that Bakhmut may eventually fall in the coming days," the head of the US-led military alliance said, adding that "this does not necessarily reflect any turning point of the war". Ukrainian officials have warned that the fall of Bakhmut could lead to further Russian advances in eastern Ukraine. Guterres stresses grain deal Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday hosted UN chief Antonio Guterres in Kyiv. It was the UN chief's third visit to Ukraine since Russia's invasion. Guterres stressed the need to extend a deal that has allowed Ukraine to export its grain but is due to expire. "I want to underscore the critical importance of the rollover of the Black Sea Grain Initiative on 18 March," Guterres said. AT their meeting in Stockholm, the EU defence ministers discussed a plan to rush one billion euros' worth of ammunition to Ukraine as pressure mounts on Kyiv's allies to bolster supplies to the war effort. Credit: Modern Ghana