The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has expressed grave concern about the way and manner some of his traditional leaders have involved themselves in double sale of lands and others forcefully snatching lands from owners over expired lease with impunity. He has, therefore, warned Kumasi traditional leaders to stop cheating residents with their authority over lands or face his wrath. According to the Asantehene, “I’m being accused wrongly for your unlawful activities in the Region, you people are disgracing me, you all need to be careful with the things you are doing." “You are making me lose my trust among you all…, your illegal activ­ities are disgrace to the respected Chieftaincy institution and me, as the Asantehene,’’ he stated. The Asantehene made these com­ments when two prominent chiefs, Bantamahene, Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI, and Amakomhene, Nana Adu Mensah Asare, appeared before the Kumasi Traditional Council (KTC) over double sale of land and snatching of lands over expired lease, respectively. While the Bantamehene appeared on February 20, 2023, the Amakom­hene took his turn on February 23. The Bantamahene was said to have sold a land to one Mr Am­ponsah and same land to a church, creating confusion between the two. On his part, the Amakomhene had snatched a land from a couple who occupied it from 1942, and sold it to the church of Pentecost over an expired lease. After resolving the land dispute between Bantamahene and the parties involved, the Asantehene directed Bantamahene to release all documents on the land to Mr Am­ponsah, whom he first sold the land to, and again directed him to return the money he took from the church within 14 days, as he promised before the KTC. He further instructed Bantam­ahene to ensure that by 10am on February 21, 2023, all documenta­tion on the land was released to Mr Amponsah. Otumfuo, who did not mince words with Bantamahene, said, “Baffour, with the stature of the stool you occupy, if such cases come before me, it means you are disgracing me”. He told him to eschew such be­haviours or else “you will supervise your own destoolment; tomorrow I will not forget to dismiss you. Bantamahene don’t deserve this prosecution. You are lowering the stature of the Bantama stool”. On the expired lease, the Asante­hene directed Nana Apagyahene to send surveyors to the land and divide the said land into three- one should be given to Amakomhene, Nana Adu Mensah Asare, the re­maining two, including his (Asante­hene), should be given back to the woman for peace to prevail. He used the occasion to explain that “there are clear legal and tra­ditional arrangements for restoring expired leases; you don’t just eject people from their property imme­diately you hear their lease has ex­pired" "You divide the said land into three, one is given to Asantehene, the woman takes one and Amakom stool also takes one. Why must you forcefully take all, where from the intimidation?” Asantehene fumed. He told the Amakomhene to regard traditional rules on lease management. Credit: Ghanaian Times

Two of Amazon's best-selling female authors, Hazel Herrington and Karen Mc Dermott have together with 12 other women co-authored a new book on diversity. The book, titled: 'Lady Diversity Power: Why Diversity Is The New Way To Do Business', was launched by Herrington Publications Worldwide and KMD Books on February 28, 2023. The 12 other remarkable women from diverse backgrounds who co-authored 'Lady Diversity Power' are: H.E. Laila Rahhal El Atfani, Naila Qazi, Linda Fisk, Kelly Markey, Joanna James, Hilda Johani CMA, Dr. Khomotso Mashalane, Lisa L. Levy, Annie Gibbins, Cathy Dimarchos, Dr. Ingrid Vasiliu-Feltes, Sarah Blake, Shelli Brunswick, and Toni Lontis. Among other things, 'Lady Diversity Power' which is available for order via: http://www.kmdbooks.com/ladydiversitypower, shares inspiring stories and practical advice on why diversity is the new way to do business globally. Lady Diversity Power is a must-read for people looking to build more "inclusive and equitable workplaces." In the Foreword of 'Lady Diversity Power', H.E Laila Rahhal El Atfani says "The business world is changing. The days of the white, middle-aged man running the show are coming to an end. In their place, we are seeing a new kind of leaders: one who understands and values diversity." Touching on why diversity is the new way to do business, Ms. Herrington stated that "Lady Diversity Power is a concept that encapsulates the idea that diversity is a strength, not a weakness. It is about recognizing and celebrating the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that women from diverse backgrounds bring to the table." According to her, "in today's rapidly changing global marketplace, diversity is no longer just a moral imperative, it is a strategic one. Companies that fail to embrace diversity risk being left behind, while those that actively seek it out and cultivate it stand to thrive in the new global economy. By empowering women of diverse backgrounds to lead, we can create more innovative, inclusive, and equitable workplaces that benefit everyone." She explained that "Lady Diversity Power is not just a catchphrase, it's a call to action for all leaders to embrace the richness of Diversity and harness its power for the benefit of all." About the authors Ms. Herrington, a multiple award-winning Zimbabwean author, celebrity interviewer and CEO of Herrington Publications Worldwide, has authored several other books including: 'Personal Branding: Build Credibility and Elevate Your Brand - The Ultimate Guide:', 'How to Achieve Personal Growth - The Essential Guide,' and 'The Ultimate Speaker Branding Blueprint on How to Build a Strong Personal Brand', all of which are available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/HAZEL-HERRINGTON/e/B0BK7DYF69/ref=zg_bsnr_268137_bl_sccl_23/000-0000000-0000000 She is also a co-author of a number of books including: 'Mediation Beyond Covid', 'A Woman's Guide to Business Domination,' and 'Think Limitlessly.' Karen Mc Dermott is the founder of Serenity Press, Making Magic Happen Academy and Everything Publishing Academy. An award-winning entrepreneur, multi-genre author of over 20 books, mentor and renowned speaker, Mc Dermott founded Serenity Press in 2012. Linda Fisk is a multi-award-winning leader, speaker, best-selling author and university professor dedicated to amplifying and extending the success of other high-calibre business leaders. Dr. Khomotso is a globally recognized humanitarian, philanthropist and women empowerment advocate. H.E Laila Rahhal El Atfani, is a globally respected women empowerment advocate and successful businesswoman. Meanwhile, Ms. Herrington and Mc Dermott, two renowned, internationally-acclaimed authors, are scheduled to soon launch another book titled: 'Lady Entrepreneur Power'. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor has revealed that the first phase of the reconstruction of the Appiatse project is about forty percent (40%) complete. According to him, the phase includes the construction of one hundred and twenty-four (124) housing units made up of two to seven bedroom houses, a school block with sanitary facilities, and the construction of roads within the community. Addressing Journalists in Accra on Tuesday, the Lands Minister said "Following the tragic Appiatse incident on 20th January, 2022, Government committed to reconstruct the community into a modern, green and sustainable community as a model for rural development. Construction began last year, and the first phase of the project is about forty percent (40%) complete" "This phase includes the construction of one hundred and twenty-four (124) housing units made up of two to seven bedroom houses, a school block with sanitary facilities, and the construction of roads within the community" He added that one hundred and six (106) of the housing units and a six-unit classroom block are at different stages of completion, with some being roofed. The Minister stressed that measures are being put in place to move the victims of the incident from their temporary accommodation back to their community before the end of the year. "The recommendations of the Health and Safety Committee established after the incident, chaired by the Vice Chancellor of George Paa Grant University of Mines and Technology (UMat), Prof. Richard Amankwaah, are also being implemented, and has led to a lot of reforms in the sector." He noted that a comprehensive review of the regulations on explosives, the Minerals and Mining (Explosives) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2177) has also been completed, and will soon be laid before Parliament. Forest protection and enhancement The Minister said "Our timber and timber products export increased significantly from three hundred and two thousand one hundred and eighty three point zero four six cubic metres (302,183.046m³) in 2021, to three hundred and forty-three thousand four hundred and forty point zero eight one cubic metres (343,440.081m³) in 2022, representing an increase of thirteen point six five percent (13.65%)" He also noted that this generated a total amount of One Hundred and Fifty Three Million, Eight Hundred and Sixty-One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Seven Euros and Sixty-Seven Cents (€153,861,837.67). "To protect our forest resources, reconnaissance, prospecting and/or exploration activities in forest reserves continue to be suspended, except in exceptional circumstances and the harvesting, salvaging, trading, exporting, and importing of Rosewood, as well as the issuance of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) permits for the export of Rosewood continue to be banned" Mr. Jinapor hinted that the Forestry Commission, with the support the Ghana Armed Forces, have cordoned off all Forest Reserves and Wildlife Protected Areas, to rid them of illegal mining and illegal logging. Highlighting on arrests, the Minister told Journalists that last year, two hundred and twelve (212) suspects were arrested by the Rapid Response Team of the Forestry Commission for various forest and wildlife offences. He added that the suspects are standing trial at various courts across the country. "The Team, also, seized and/or decommissioned scores of equipment and forest products, including forty-four thousand five hundred and twenty-two (44,522) assorted lumber, fifty-four (54) vehicles and seventeen (17) excavators" "While protecting the forest, we continued with our aggressive afforestation and reforestation programme, including our flagship Green Ghana Project." "Last year, on the Green Ghana Day, a total of twenty-six million, five hundred and sixty-three thousand, six hundred seven (26,563,607) seedlings were distributed, out of which twenty-four million, five hundred and fifty-two thousand, nine hundred and twenty-five (24,552,925) seedlings were verified to have been planted" "This year, the President has decided that we lower the target to ten million (10,000,000) trees. This is to enable us devote much attention to nurturing the over thirty million trees already planted to ensure that all they reach maturity" "In addition to the Green Ghana Project, we are, in partnership with the Departments of Parks and Gardens, and Urban Roads, implementing a Green Street Project, under which we are planting trees in the medians of streets and avenues of major roads in our cities to beautify the cities while contributing to the fight against climate change" Explaining further, he mentioned that the project is currently being implemented in Accra from the Tetteh Quashie interchange, through Shiashie and Okponglo, to Legon PRESEC. He said "It will be scaled up to cover all major roads in Accra and all sixteen (16) regional capitals of our country. Under the Forest Plantation Strategy, over ten million (10,000,000) seedlings were produced last year, and a total of sixty-six thousand three hundred and fifty-five point four two hectares (66,355.42) of forest was planted" He revealed that the Forest Plantation Development Fund, through the Youth in Plantation Establishment as an Occupation Programme, has sponsored seventy-five (75) unemployed graduates to go into forest plantation. "Over three hundred and seventy-five hectares (375 ha) of land in Forest Reserves have been cultivated in the Ashanti, Bono and Bono East Regions under this Programme, with an additional thirty-two hectares (32 ha) cultivated in off-reserves in the Volta and Oti Regions" Wildlife Protection and Ecotourism "You will recall that last year, I reported that the Forestry Commission has launched an Ecotourism Handbook to promote ecotourism in our country" "This has contributed significantly to increasing the number visitors to our ecotourism sites and zoological gardens. Despite the Accra Zoo being closed for more than three months, visits to the various ecotourism sites increased by fifty-nine percent (59%), to three hundred and sixty-one thousand, five hundred and five (361,505)" Mr. Jinapor explained that the new Wildlife Management Bill, which was approved by Cabinet last year, has been laid before Parliament, and is expected to be passed before the end of this sitting of Parliament to enhance the protection and management of our wildlife resources. Climate Change Initiatives "As a respected member of the international community, we continued the implementation of our various initiatives aimed at halting climate change, including the Ghana REDD+ Strategy" "I am happy to report that under the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme, the first module of the REDD+ Strategy which was launched by President Akufo-Addo in 2019, we recorded emission reduction of nine hundred and seventy-two thousand four hundred and sixty-five tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (972,465 tCO2e) for the first accounting period between June and December 2019, which has been verified and validated." "This has generated results-based payment of Four Million Eight Hundred and Sixty-Two Thousand Two Hundred and Eighty United States Dollars (US$4,862,280), which we have begun receiving. This makes Ghana the second country in Africa, and the third in the world, to receive result-based payments from the Carbon Fund" Forest Investment Programme He noted that the Forest Investment Programme (FIP) is a mix grant and loan from the World Bank, aimed at, among others, protecting and increasing our forests estate, and piloting the viability of contracting commercial loans for plantation development. "I am happy to announce that Parliament has ratified the On-lending agreement for the disbursement of Seven Million US Dollars (USD7,000,000.00) to support small to medium scale plantation development and stimulate private sector investment in commercial forest plantation" The Lands and Natural Resources Minister told Journalists that some Eighty-Five Thousand hectares (85,000 ha) of forest will be planted under this programme, through private participation in forest plantation. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said government will offer a state-assisted burial for Christian Atsu, the former Black Stars player who perished in the Turkish earthquake. The President said the country is devastated by the news of Atsu’s death.President Akufo-Addo said this when the family of Christian Atsu paid him a visit at the Jubilee House on Monday, February 27, 2023, to officially inform him of the death of the former Black Stars player. The meeting was attended by officials of the Ghana Football Association led by its president, Kurt Okraku. "Our responsibility is to give you enough support that you need. It can never erase the loss of this brilliant man. I want the Chief of Staff…to make sure that we organise a state-assisted funeral for Christian Atsu depending on the date the family and GFA will select. Everything will be done from the point of view of the government to make sure he gets a dignified exit. That is my duty and responsibility as a president to make sure that happens,” President Akufo-Addo added. The president also urged the Atsu’s family to fast-track the burial process. “I don’t know what your plans are, but I think that the sooner we get this unfortunate episode behind us the better for all of us…With that said, the decision as to when the funeral will take place is still up to the family as our customs demand”. Christian Atsu was tragically trapped under the rubble of the earthquake that hit some parts of Turkey and Syria on February 6. Atsu’s lifeless body was recovered on February 18 and brought back to Ghana on February 19. Credit: Citinewsroom

A third-party candidate in Nigeria's tightly contested presidential election has caused a major upset by winning in its biggest city, Lagos. The Labour Party's Peter Obi narrowly defeated the ruling party's Bola Tinubu in his heartland, results announced by state election officials show. This is the first time since 1999 that a party backed by Mr Tinubu, a two-time Lagos governor, has not won the state. But Mr Tinubu has won three of the five other states declared so far. Mr Tinubu has won in his south-western strongholds of Ondo, Ekiti and Kwara, narrowly losing to Atiku Abubakar of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun state. Mr Abubakar has also narrowly won the presidential election in Katsina, the home state of outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari. The results from Ekiti, Kwara and Osun have all been confirmed by the head of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Inec) at its headquarters in the capital, Abuja, however the other results remain provisional. The delays in getting results from the states and the capital, Abuja, have led to growing frustration. The electoral commission has apologised for the unresponsiveness of the results viewing page on its website, saying a surge in use caused technical hitches. The delays are partly a result of the election continuing for a second day in parts of the country. The election on Saturday saw voting start several hours late in many areas, and also attacks on some polling stations. More than 87 million people were eligible to take part, making it the biggest democratic exercise in Africa. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP have dominated Nigeria since the end of military rule in 1999 but this time, Mr Obi from the previously little known Labour Party is expected to mount a strong challenge to the two-party system. He has the support of many young people, who make up a third of registered voters. A candidate needs to have the most votes and 25% of ballots cast in two-thirds of Nigeria's 36 states to be declared the winner. Otherwise, there will be a run-off within 21 days - a first in Nigeria's history. Why have results been slow in coming? The earliest a winner has been announced is on the third day after voting in the previous two elections, but many had expected a faster conclusion this time because of the introduction of an electronic result transmission system. This was meant to increase transparency and make sure the results could not be altered by creating a digital version on the website of the electoral commission, Inec. But many voters have accused electoral officials of refusing to upload the results at the polling units as they are supposed to. Officials complained of a lack of internet in some places to upload the results, but voters have shared videos and images shared where Inec officials refused to upload the results. There have also been reports of disturbances at Inec collation centres in some states, with some political parties on Sunday asking their supporters to go to such places to protect their votes. Credit: BBC News

USA-based Ghanaian comedian and actor, Michael Blackson, has signed award-winning Ghanaian rapper, Gambo unto his management company. https://www.instagram.com/reel/Co_orcRDvMn/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Blackson announced the signing of Gambo unto his management company in the US, pledging to turn the 'Drip' hitmaker into the next biggest superstar from Ghana. https://youtu.be/6HtYkW0Kvjc The comedian is strongly convinced that the 'Settle' crooner has the requisite talent, discipline and the passion to excel as a musician on the global stage. https://youtu.be/mHehA_aL2xk Announcing the signing of Gambo unto his company named Michael Blackson Management Company, the renowned comedian says there are only four Internationally-acclaimed stars in Ghana. Blackson says although Nigeria can boast of a lot of superstars, Ghana has just a meagre number. He made this known during a discussion on the “Drink Champs” podcast where he announced that the talented Ghanaian rapper, Gambo was now under his “Blackson Management” firm. He noted that "Nigeria has all the stars. I could name ten artists from Nigeria; Davido, Tecno, Kizz Dnaiel… On the other hand, Ghana is becoming the Dubai of Africa and we only have four people from Ghana; You think like Shatta Wale,  Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, Black Sherif, and I’m like let me make that fifth person- that’s Gambo." https://youtu.be/LQdciP7edY4 Watch the video below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) has announced that winner of the Ghana Premier League match between Hearts Of Oak and Asante Kotoko scheduled for March 5 in Accra, will automatically lift the 2023 President's Cup. According to GHALCA, the winner of the game will go home with the prestigious trophy with President Akufo Addo in attendance. GHALCA added that the game will be resorted to penalties to determine a winner if it ends in draw. GHALCA further reminded supporters that the game between the two rivals still remains a league game. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Manager of the award winning gospel group, the ever green Daughters Of Glorious Jesus, Kwame Olympio has picked his form to contest for the upcoming parliamentary primaries to contest as a parliamentary candidate for Trobu Constituency on the ticket of National Democratic Congress. He emphasized that the youth of the country should come together in unity and rally behind him. "I feel this is the time the people of Ghana most especially the youth rally behind the youth in politics “. "And to be honest it hasn’t been an easy journey so we need the support of the youth" Adding to that he also mentioned that the people of Trobu Constituency come together in unity to conduct a free a fair elections on the 13th of May 2023. He also urged all other aspirations to campaign in peace devoid of insults and attacks for the battle ahead of tough. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Two cases of Lassa fever have been recorded in Accra as confirmed by the Ghana Health Service (GHS)after tests by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. GHS confirmed that the first case of a 40-year-old trader was recorded after she felt unwell for about two weeks and finally died at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. The second case is a contact of the fatal case and is currently on admission but is very stable. So far, 56 contacts have been identified and are being followed up by the Ghana Health Service. In a letter signed by Director-General, Patrick Kuma-Aboagye noted that Public Health Emergency Management committees at all levels (National, Regions, and Districts) have been activated with detailed investigations including an environmental assessment ongoing. Lassa fever (a viral hemorrhagic fever) is endemic in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria. The Health Service added that essential medications and logistics including Personal Protecting Equipment are being mobilized while contact tracing and management are ongoing. Credit: Pulse GH

Evangelist Diana Asamoah has labeled Osofo Kyiri Abosom as a herbalist and not a pastor as he claims. According to her, the Life Assembly Worship Centre’s founder’s beliefs and lifestyle do not reflect Christianity hence the herbalist title. Her comments are on the back of Kyiri Abosom’s controversies and recent claims, that some Christian beliefs are drawn from the Bible which according to him, was authored by ‘insensitive westerners’. In his latest interview with Delay, Kyiri Abosom, said: "Blacks have this mentality. We need to renew our mindset and move forward. For example, let’s stop listening to the ‘For better for worse’ Ananse stories." But Diana Asamoah who seemed disgusted by Kyiri Abosom’s statements when discussions around him popped up on Untied Showbiz said: “He shares different ideologies, far from what Christians believe in. an example is during his interview with Delay where he said some unbelievable things about the Bible and also shared some different views about marriage" "As for the man, I see him to be a herbalist and not a pastor. When you are doing God’s work, you work with God’s word. God’s word comes with instructions. So it's those who can't abide by the instructions that think that the Bible isn’t written by God." “If you are a Christian and hear any pastor, say that the Bible was written by mere mortals and not inspired by God, then that pastor has rejected God. That pastor should even have people following him. If he doesn’t believe the bible then let me take him to the book of John which states that ‘in the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God’.so any pastor that doesn’t believe in God’s word is an herbalist.” Prior to this, in a discussion with Angel FM, Diana Asamoah had questioned the pastor’s credibility as a man of God, while advising his congregants to abandon his church. Credit: OneGhanaTv

Ghanaian gospel singer, Celestine Donkor, has described as frivolous, Sonnie Badu’s claims that pork exposes one to demonic attacks. The ‘Agbebolo’ hitmaker said spirituality has got nothing to do with what human beings eat adding that the claims are totally false. Rev. Sonnie Badu’s assertions have since sparked a heated debate among netizens, with the majority disputing the notion. Scores of netizens including popular Ghanaian broadcaster, Kwame Sefa Kayi, disagreed with the assertions. Sharing her thoughts on the issue, Celestine Donkor, during a discussion on United Showbiz said: “We cast demons out of human beings. Does it mean that humans are demonic? I don’t believe it, to be honest, I don’t. you can tell someone to go and trim his hair because the bushy hair has covered his sense. It doesn’t make sense. If you say because someone eats pork he or she is possessed, it doesn’t make sense, it doesn’t," she said. Throwing more light on the issue, the gospel singer urged pastors to focus on messages which seek to tackle societal ills rather than sharing ridiculous notions. “There are Christians who live anyhow, sleep with people anyhow, talk anyhow, join any kind of associations. Those are the things that I think as a man of God, you should tackle. If you want to change people’s lives, those are the things you should talk about. That’s what according to the bible, leads us to destruction. It opens our spirit to evil. As a shepherd of God,” she added. Celestine Donkor said it would have made more sense if Sonnie Badu had addressed the health risks associated with eating pork. “If his comments were centered on the health aspects, I can accept such a message but when it comes to spirituality, pork has nothing to do with it. Spirituality has nothing to do with what we eat or what we bring out. “We are talking about a pastor who has made such a declaration. We all stand before people to preach, It’s just that we don’t wear the clerical. I’m not pointing this at Sonnie Badu in particular, this is a general message. If you happen to be a man of God and you teach these things on the pulpit,” she maintained. Credit: One Ghana Tv

A second-year student of the Islamic SHS at Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, Aisha Seidu has been murdered at Wenchi in the Bono Region. The deceased returned home yesterday for vacation. The body of a 17-year-old was discovered early this morning by relatives in a pool of blood in her room with a club suspected to have been used to hit her head and bleeding from her genitalia. Police arrived at the scene after receiving reports of a dead young female. When she was rushed to the Wenchi Methodist Hospital, she was pronounced dead on arrival. The Wenchi Municipal Command of the Ghana Police Service has launched an investigation into the circumstances of leading to the death, which residents say the murder was caused by a suspected rapist who might have raped and killed her in the process. They believe it was a coordinated crime, and they are calling on authorities to bring those responsible to justice. Residents of Wenchi Zongo are in shock following the murder of a SHS female student. Credit: AladdynKING