The High Court in Accra has directed the National Security Coordinator, Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General to apologize and compensate the editor of ModernGhana.com, Emmanuel Ajarfor with an amount of GH₵40,000. Emmanuel Ajarfor in 2019 sued the three state actors after he was arrested by armed National Security operatives for allegedly making publications against National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah. Mr. Ajarfor at the time accused the national security of torture following the arrest and subsequently sued the three respondents for human rights abuse. But after two years of trial, the parties reached a settlement agreement to dispose of the matter. The settlement agreement sighted by Citi News also instructed the respondents to cater for the legal fees of Emmanuel Ajarfor to the tune of GH₵10,000 and also replace the HP laptop, two mobile phones and one Huawei tablet which were seized at the time of the arrest. Citi News sources, however, reveal that the state actors are yet to honour the terms of the settlement agreement which was accepted by the court in 2022. Credit: Citinewsroom

The National Cathedral Secretariat has refuted allegations by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who claimed that some GH₵2.6 million was paid to a company owned by a board member of the cathedral, Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng. JNS Talent Centre Ltd which allegedly runs a crèche in Dawhenya was paid some GH¢2.6 million to help build the cathedral, the lawmaker revealed in a tweet last Wednesday. The lawmaker on Monday, January 16, further alleged that JNS Talent is owned by one Kwabena Adu Gyamfi. According to him, documents in his possession reveal that Mr Kwabena Adu Gyamfi is the same as Rev. Victor Kusi-Boateng who still serves on the National Cathedral Board as an Executive Council Member/Director. But the Secretariat in a statement explained that the GH₵2.6 million was a refund to JNS talent and not an amount illegally paid to the company. “As a normal verification – expected of a Member of Parliament – would have revealed, this was not an illegal payment but rather a refund of a short-term interest-free loan made by JNS to top up the payments to the contractors of the National Cathedral.“ This support was sought from a National Cathedral Trustee Member, Rev Kusi Boateng, in a letter dated August 26, 2021, due to a delay in the receipt of funds to pay the Contractors on time. Below are some pictures: Credit: Citinewsroom

An Accra High Court has acquitted Maxwell Bernieh, a teacher who was wrongly convicted for defilement in 2016. The judgment comes after Mr. Bernieh had already spent six years of a 20-year jail sentence for a crime he did not commit. Mr. Bernieh indicated that in 2015, he was employed as a teacher in one of the Junior High Schools in the Greater Accra Region. “I was excited to have secured the job because I had been unemployed for some time. Just one month after being in the school, I was supervising an examination when some officers came to arrest me for no reason. I got to the Police station and I was accused of defiling a student I do not even know. I looked into the face of the girl and I had not even met her before because she was not in my class. I still did not understand what was happening and the case eventually proceeded to court,” he indicated. According to him, he was paraded before the court and pleaded not guilty to the charge of defilement. He adds that the case was adjourned on several occasions. “Anytime the case is called, the girl in question will not show up and I will be told she is undergoing an operation. I still did not know what I had done to the girl that is making her go through an operation. After about seven months of trial, I was sentenced to 20 years in July 2016. I told the judge I was innocent but she did not listen. She only told me to file an appeal. I was sent to Nsawam,” he narrated. He indicates that a private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, later came to his rescue and filed for an appeal. After months of trial at the high court, he is now a free man. The prosecution, therefore, failed to lead evidence to show that it was the accused person who defiled the victim. Having found that the prosecution failed to prove that the accused person had sexual intercourse with the victim, then it follows that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. This ground of appeal succeeds. With such failure to establish the essential elements of the offense, it follows that the offense charged was not established against the appellant beyond reasonable doubt and he ought not to have been convicted. “The result is that the appeal succeeds and same is upheld. I hereby set aside the conviction and ultimately the sentence imposed on the appellant herein. The appellant is accordingly acquitted and discharged,” part of the appeal ruling by her ladyship Justice Mary M.E Nsenkyere (Mrs) indicated. Story by: Thinknewsonline.com

The Tema Development Company Limited (TDC) has cautioned enchroachers of government lands especially in the Tema Municipal and other areas to immediately desists from such acts. According to TDC, the activity of enchroachers is gradually affecting major developments within affected areas of the country. Addressing the media at the Ministry of Information, the General Manager in Charge of Operations of the TDC, Mr Samuel Asante revealed that, all efforts to curb these menace in the past proved futile because most enchroachers usually operate in the night and on weekends when office hours are over. But Mr Samuel Asante assured that, TDC has partnered with the National Security to arrest and prosecute enchroachers. He said deployment of the security agencies to such areas is gradually yielding good results. On the side of TDC providing affordable housing units to Ghanaians, Mr Samuel Asante clarified that they are partnering with Republic and GCB banks to ensure all salaried workers afford such housing units and pay later over a period of time. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government says it has structured the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme as a voluntary exercise, in order to shield domestic bondholders. The government made these known as it announced the extension of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (“DDEP”) to January 31. In a statement released by the Finance Ministry, it said "We will, however, use this period to further engage with stakeholders especially individual bondholders to mitigate any adverse impacts; while we all contribute to overcoming our economic challenges" "Important discussions are ongoing with financial institutions, notably in relation to forbearance measures, accounting treatment, as well as the structure and parameters of the Ghana Financial Stability Fund (“GFSF”)" Following the first announcement of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme on December 5th, 2022, the Government entered into advanced discussions with multiple stakeholders. These discussions resulted in the amendment of the terms of the offer, which was announced on 24th December, 2022, to expire on 16th January, 2023. A successful Domestic Debt Exchange is critical to advance our economic recovery process, and therefore it is in our common interest to make it work. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A Police Officer from the Anti Robbery Unit of the Ghana Police Service, Sergeant Owusu Asante Baafi and his family have been burnt to death following a fire outbreak at their residence on Monday dawn. It is emerging that the unfortunate incident occurred at Apromase near Kumasi. Late Sergeant, Owusu Asante Baafi and his wife, Millicent Agyei and their three months old baby got trapped when fire engulfed their house. Watch a video and pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government of Ghana says it has extended the expiration of the Domestic Debt Exchange to January 31, 2023. The Ministry of Finance took to its official Twitter handle to make the announcement. In the tweet sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it said "Pending further stakeholder engagement with institutional and individual investors, recently invited to join the debt exchange programme, government is extending the expiration of the DDE to Jan 31, 2023" It added that building a consensus is key to a successful economic recovery for Ghana. Below is a screenshot of the tweet: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minority in Parliament has sent a strong warning to the Akufo-Addo administration to suspend what it calls the controversial Domestic Debt Exchange (DDE) programme with immediate effect. According to the Minority, the policy will yield no positive fruit for the country. Addressing Journalists in Accra on Monday, Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu said “It is already failing and promises to be a failure,” The Minority made these known while addressing some Journalists on the matter in Accra earlier today. It will be recalled that On 5th December 2022, the Government of Ghana launched Ghana's Domestic Debt Exchange programme. According to gov't it is an invitation for the voluntary exchange of approximately GHS137 billion of the domestic notes and bonds of the Republic, including E.S.L.A. and Daakye bonds, for a package of New Bonds to be issued by the Republic. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

News coming in indicates that Qatar is set to donate all the 3,000 buses used during the World Cup to Lebanon. According to Qatar, the gesture forms part of its supports to the transport sector of Lebanon. It added that the 3,000 buses will help deal with Lebanon's transport sector, which is suffering from an economic crisis. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

President of the Queen Mothers Foundation of Ghana, Nana Ama Serwaa Bonsu and some Executives, have called for a collaboration with the Ghana Immigration Service for a joint sensitization project to enlighten young men and women on the current migration trends in an effort to mitigate the increasing immigration threats in their communities. Nana Ama Serwaa Bonsu recommended this when the executives of the Foundation paid a courtesy call to the Comptroller General of Immigration. In a close-door meeting, the Comptroller General of Immigration, Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi who received the delegation in the company of the Directorates and some Members of Management, expressed gratitude to the group for extending their support and good counsel to the leadership of the Service. Speaking at the meeting, The President, Nana Ama Serwaa Bonsu was full of praise for the CGI commending him for his dedication and hard work over the years which she described as worth emulating by other Security heads. She however bemoaned deviant activities engaged by some Foreign Nationals in the country which continues to cause friction and unrest in their communities. The Queen Mothers appealed to the CGI to help in investigating and apprehending such culprits living in their communities. The group also emphasized on the need to educate citizens on the appropriate procedures involved in travelling out of the country and the dangers associated with engaging in illegal migration by many youngsters in recent years. Nana Kobiwa -Akwa III an executive of the Association on her part shared her experience travelling to many parts of the world which she said had helped to shape her perspective on the job descriptions of Immigration officers. My experience as a traveler has helped me appreciate the transformation the GIS has seen in recent years, she added. She was optimistic that the new developments in the Institution under the leadership of Mr. Takyi would continue even after the end of his tenure. Mr. Kwame Asuah Takyi highlighted some of the challenges that the Service is currently facing and assured the Queen mothers that, all the challenges they mentioned had been booked and the Service will take immediate measures to resolve the issues in their communities especially the ones that falls under the mandate of the Service. He noted that the roles played by Queen Mothers cannot be over-emphasized especially in helping citizens to understand and appreciate the work of the Service in keeping our communities secured and urged the group to help educate their communities on the importance of sharing relevant information with officers when necessary. He finally assured the Queen Mothers that the Service will continue to work hand in hand with the traditional leaders most especially Queen Mothers as they also have great influence on communities. The Executives of the Association presented a citation in honour of the Comptroller- General of Immigration for his immense contribution to the growth of the Ghana Immigration Service, the National Identification Authority and the Nation as a whole. The Queen Mothers Foundation is an establishment that advocates for the empowerment of the marginalized and the underprivileged with emphasis on the sick and needy in society. It is dedicated to creating programs and advocating for policies that aid particularly the underprivileged. Below are some pictures: Story by: Thinknewsonline.com

A terrorist attack in Zoaga, Bugri and Zabre in the northern province of Burkina Faso has left some Ghanaian residents of Soogo, Sapeliga, Kansoogo, Kubougo and Widnaba living close to the Burkina Faso border in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region in fear. A police station was burnt, telecom towers were destroyed and some persons have been killed by the jihadists. The attack compelled Burkinabes of affected communities Zoaga, Bugri and Zabre mostly women and children to flee to some communities in Ghana using porous and unapproved routes on Friday, January 13. According to the Ghanaian residents, they feel insecure considering the huge numbers of Burkinabes fleeing to the area. They want government to intensify security in the area for fear of attack, especially the unapproved routes. The sub-Chief of Soogo, Joshua Akaami, called for support and heavy security to protect the community from infiltration by terrorists. According to him, he received several women and children from Burkina Faso as a result of the attack that led to the loss of lives and properties. As a sub-chief, he said with no place to accommodate the asylum seekers he had to negotiate with churches around for the displaced burkinabes to stay. He added the numbers keep increasing with more women and children arriving. He appeals to NADMO and benevolent organisations to urgently help with food items and mats for the women and children to sleep on. The Assembly member of Soogo electoral area, Asaki Usben Tampuri called on the security agencies to tighten security along the border communities. He, However, thanked the chiefs of the various border communities for the efforts and appealed for support. Over 2,000 Burkinabes are currently living in the border towns: Widnaba, Soogo, Kubougo and Kansoogo. Credit: Modern Ghana

Celebrated Ghanaian Journalist, Nana Aba Anamoah has descended heavily on American Musical Artist, Jessie Funk over her distasteful comments about Ghana. According to Nana Aba, it is about time Jessie Funk unlearn the truckload of lies she has been fed by some of the painfully lazy media platforms in her country about Africa. In a Facebook post sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, Nana Aba Anamoah posted "I’m willing to help you speak sensibly next time about a country that’s been kind to your ilk, church and any other organisation from your country. To be honest, they’d be shocked to the marrow to hear you speak this way about Ghanaians" "You lot need to stop making Africa a victim of your incredibly dumb agenda" "Here you are, Jessie Funk. I knew I’d find you. Those lies you spewed about Ghana made you look less intelligent. That we hate the Mormons? Madam, are you okay? No one resents your temple" "The area your temple (the church of Latter Day Saints) stands in Accra (Ridge) is one of the richest, most peaceful and pristine neighbourhoods" "I’ll forgive your imbecilic comments about the poverty stricken and hungry people you claim you saw around that temple and assume you just wanted to appear relevant. You looked pathetic instead" The Celebrated Ghanaian Journalist further reminded the American Musical Artist that just as Ghana does have poor people, there are equally same people also living in America. "There are so many Americans who call cars, shacks, tents and boxes their homes. It’s 2023. Grow up. Have a wonderful day" It will be recalled that Jessie Funk in an interview on an American radio station described Ghana as dirty, a country with poor roads and also poor. Her utterances which went viral did not sit well with most Ghanaians as they took to their various social media platforms to roast her. Jessie Funk Jessie Funk is an American musicial artist. She has been speaking to teens for 15 years. As a professional singer, she has released five, award-winning, solo albums, toured to 37 states with the broadway tour of “Footloose,” Her voice has been heard on America's Got Talent, The Biggest Loser, and ESPN. Born and raised in Provo, the fourth largest city in Utah, America, she has shared her inspiring message and love of music with thousands of people from across the United States and even into Europe, Canada, and Africa. She has released five solo albums, including “Dance in the Rain” – her first country CD. It is emerging that Jessie Funk has taken to her social media page to apologise to Ghanaians over her distasteful comments. Below are some screenshots: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith