Nkrabeah Effah Dartey, the lawyer for Aisha Huang, the Chinese national accused of engaging in illegal mining, says his client is married to a Ghanaian businessman. Nkrabeah Effah Dartey disclosed this on Eyewitness News. “I know she is married to a Ghanaian. I know this because of her Ghanaian husband, a businessman in Kumasi and a master’s degree holder from a Chinese University. He came to my office to engage me as a lawyer.” Aisha Huang is currently standing trial with three other Chinese nationals; Jong Li Hua, Huang Jei and Huaid Hai Hun. They have all been charged with mining without a valid license and engaging in the sale and purchase of minerals without a permit. Since Aisha Huang was arrested earlier in September, there has been controversy about how she left Ghana and how she ended up back in the country. The initial report on the case was that she had been deported in 2018 after government filed a nolle prosequi to discontinue an earlier case against her. But North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, claimed Aisha Huang was not escorted during her “supposed deportation” as was required. In the days after Mr. Ablakwa’s comments, President Akufo-Addo also said he was unsure whether Aisha Huang was deported from Ghana in 2018 or fled. This prompted the government to share documents indicating she was given a notice of repatriation in December 2018. The Information Minister also said definitely that Aisha Huang had been repatriated. Mr. Dartey disputed suggestions that Aisha Huang fled out of Ghana, saying officials were making such claims to “shy away from what really happened.” He maintained that his client is not guilty of the charges levelled against her. Credit: Citinewsroom

The National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP) has announced another upward increment in the prices of sachet and bottled water effective Monday, September 19. According to the Association, a bag of sachet water, 500ml by 30pcs, is to be sold at ¢7 maximum from the retail trucks. Mini shops, however, will retail the commodity at ¢9 per bag maximum. The price of iced sachet water will be retailed at ¢0.50p, while the 500ml bottled water will be retailed at ¢2. Iced bottled water of 750ml or medium size, will be sold at ¢3.00. NASPAWAP in the statement issued on Wednesday attributed the adjustment of prices to the fuel price hikes and the cedi depreciation. “The price reviews have been necessitated by the rising cost of inputs such as fuel and packaging materials which are mainly imported, increases in electricity and water which took effect from September 1, 2022." “At our previous review in March 2022, the dollar was in the region of ¢8.5. Currently, it is inching up to ¢10. Fuel prices have significantly gone up since our last review. It was 9 and now it is ¢14.5, which is a 61 % change since March 23, 2022.” Parts of the statement, however, cautioned that there might be slight variations in prices across the regions due to haulage to remote and distant areas. The Association further appealed to all and sundry to cooperate with the dealers since the adjustment is to reduce the production cost of manufacturers. “The suggested adjustment is to help producers cover their production costs. We appreciate the difficulties our consumers have to go through to endure these hardships. We appeal to all to bare with us.” Credit: Myjoyonline.com

The Accra Circuit Court 9 has denied galamsey queen, Aisha Huang, bail. The notorious illegal miner is standing trial with three other Chinese nationals; Jong Li Hua, Huang Jei and Huaid Hai Hun, all charged with mining without a valid license and engaging in the sale and purchase of minerals without a permit. The Prosecution said it needed time to finish off the investigation. But defense lawyer, Nkrabea Effah Dartey, wondered what investigations were left to be done. He reminded the court that the accused persons had already been remanded for 14 days and questioned what more investigation was left to be concretized. He also accused the Attorney General, Godfred Dame, of using the Bar Conference to solicit the judiciary’s cooperation for the successful prosecution of the matter. Nkrabea Effah Dartey wondered why the leader of the Ghanaian Bar would so prejudice the case. The retired Military Captain and former NPP MP for Berekum prayed the Court not to give room for public speculation of influence of the Executive on the matter. He told the court that denying bail would play out in the media as the court bending to the whims of President Nana Akufo-Addo and his Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame. The court presided over by His Honour Samuel Bright Appiah, however, reasoned that the matter had become an issue of public interest at home and abroad. Consequently, His Honour remanded them back into custody to reappear on September 27, 2022. Credit: Citinewsroom

The Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) says it has revised its decision to interdict a staff who conducted a pre-boarding search on the National Security Minister. In a statement dated September 13, the GACL said the decision is due to “further consultations and facts which have since come to its attention.” The company noted that “the Committee of Enquiry shall proceed with its mandate as spelt out in the Convening Order”. Background A security officer at the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) was earlier interdicted for conducting a pre-boarding search on the National Security Minister. In a letter dated September 8, GACL explained that Awudu Basit’s search of Albert Kan-Dapaah at the VVIP Lounge at the Kumasi Airport was embarrassing. The letter signed by the Company’s officer in charge of human capital and officer service, R. S. Tagoe also noted that the search created a “negative impression” for it. “In view of the negative impression it cast on the company’s image and integrity, Management has decided to thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to this incident,” it added. As a punitive measure, the GACL advised that Mr Basit “will be paid two-thirds of his salary during the period of interdiction.” Meanwhile, some Ghanaians have expressed their sentiments about the interdiction. According to them, the National Security Minister is not above the law, and therefore he is not beyond a search. Others have, however, criticised the said officer but condemned the resultant interdiction. Credit: Myjoyonline.com

The Minister for National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, says he is shocked to hear about the interdiction of an aviation security officer by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL). He said even though the incident happened, it didn’t warrant the action taken by the Airports Company. The security officer, Awudu Basit, was interdicted for demanding to search the Minister for National Security at the Kumasi Airport. According to GACL, the security man’s actions had cast a dent on the company’s image and integrity, hence the decision to interdict him. In the interdiction letter, sighted by The Fourth Estate, the management of GACL said, “You were assigned to perform airside patrol duties at the Kumasi Airport on 8th September 2022, and you saw the Minister of National Security emerging from the VVIP Lounge to board Africa World Airline Flight at about 1430 hours. “It is reported that you approached the Hon. Minister and demanded to conduct a pre-boarding search on him in the open frontage of the VVIP which ended up embarrassing the minister.” The Management of the Ghana Airports Company has since launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the incident. But in an exclusive interview with The Fourth Estate, Mr. Kan-Dapaah expressed shock that the management of the GACL went to the extent of punishing the security guard. “I am surprised about the turn of events. There was absolutely no disrespect,” he said. He said he hadn’t seen the letter interdicting the security guard and was hearing about the interdiction for the first time from The Fourth Estate. “I spent over 40 minutes at the waiting room and he did not ask to screen me. However, just before I was about to board and in the full glare of so many people he demanded to search me.” “Last Monday, an official from the Ghana Airports came to my office to apologise and I did explain that there was no need for an apology because there was no disrespect towards me by the officer,” he told The Fourth Estate. He appealed to the Airport Company to reverse the interdiction of the security guard. Mr. Basit’s interdiction takes effect from Friday, September 9, 2022, “in line with Article 17 (e) of the collective agreement, the letter stated. The letter, signed by the Group Executive of the Human Capital and Office Services, R. S. Tagoe said, the security officer, Mr. Awudu Basit shall be paid two-thirds of his salary during his interdiction. In a letter available to The Fourth Estate, the Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company, Pamela Djamson Tettey, said management had rescinded its decision to interdict Mr. Awudu Basit. The letter, addressed to workers’ union of the Kotoka International Airport, stated that “management had reconsidered the interdiction of AVSEC officer, Basit, following further consultations and facts which have since come to its attention. Credit: The Fourth State

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, has commiserated with the family of the late Opanyin Samuel Kwame Agyepong, the father of the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC). Sheikh Sharubutu’s visit came off last Sunday at the Teshie Nungua Estates residence of the late Opanyin Agyepong. He extended a warm gesture of support and prayed for the grieving Agyepong family. On his part, Dr. Siaw Agyepong, on behalf of his family, expressed gratitude to the National Chief Imam for the warm gesture. Early on, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo joined the family and friends of Dr. Siaw Agyepong at the Service of Thanksgiving for Opanyin Agyepong at the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) Graceland, at Teshie Nungua. Accra. The service was in two parts. The first climaxed the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Children’s Ministry in the Church of Pentecost (COP), which event was marked nationwide in all COPs across the country, while the second part was the thanksgiving service for the life of Opanyin Agyepong. In a short address, President Akufo-Addo prayed to God to grant the Agyepong family the fortitude to withstand their loss. Opanyin Agyepong passed away in June this year, aged 98, after a short illness. He was buried on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at Obo Kwahu in the Eastern Region. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Acting Director-General of the Cyber Security Authority, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako has expressed worry over how many children are becoming prone to criminal online practices in tye country. According to him, such exposures are becoming detrimental to their development. Addressing Journalists at the media launch of the National Cyber Security Awareness Month in Accra, he said "Ladies and gentlemen, the internet offers several opportunities for improving the lives of children through access to information which is beneficial to their education, health and social wellbeing. Many children are, however, becoming prone to criminal online practices which are detrimental to their development" He also added that the Cyber Security Authority, as a regulator, is committed to ensuring the protection of children online per its mandate in the Cybersecurity Act 2020. Dr. Antwi-Boasiako stressed that, the Child Online Protection Framework has been revised to ensure the utmost safety of our children online. "Ladies and gentlemen, as part of measures to effectively implement the Cybersecurity Act, awareness creation cannot be over emphasised. The CSA therefore seeks to leverage on the 2022 edition of the annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) to engage and partner with stakeholders in the public and private sectors to implement key cybersecurity regulations and to build capacity among critical stakeholders" Dr. Antwi-Boasiako hinted that at the end of the month-long event, which is scheduled for October 1-31, NCA expects to have improved the awareness amongst key stakeholders of the regulatory provisions of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) leading to a culture of cybersecurity regulatory compliance, as well as effective operations and management of reporting and responding to cybersecurity incidents among stakeholders especially the sectoral CERTs. "Cybersecurity Regulations for Sustained Digital Transformation. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the proliferation of cyber-attacks targeting individuals, businesses and critical infrastructure has led to the establishment of several mandatory cybersecurity regulations" Explaining further, the Acting Director-General mentioned that globally, regulatory compliance has become one of the most effective and reliable strategies to mitigate cyber risks within the industry. He noted that, the implementation of cybersecurity regulations is imperative to deal with both existing and emerging cyber threats which have the potential to undermine the digital dividends expected from the country’s digital economy. "The Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038) provides the regulatory framework to promote cybersecurity development in the country. The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has commenced a number of regulatory activities including the protection of Critical Information Infrastructures, pursuant to Section 35 to 40 of Act 1038; licensing of Cybersecurity Service Providers pursuant to Sections of 49 to 56 and regulations on cybersecurity incident reporting and response, pursuant to Sections 41 to 48 of the Cybersecurity Act, 2022" "Ladies and Gentlemen, it is anticipated that, starting January 2023, a business, a firm or an individual will not be able to offer cybersecurity services unless the entity or the individual is licensed or accredited by the Authority" "In addition, designated Critical Information Infrastructure Owners shall be subjected to mandatory audit and compliance checks against the Directive for the Protection of Critical Information Infrastructures which was adopted on October 1, 2021. These are part of the new regulations and measures being implemented pursuant to the Cybersecurity Act, 2020" Dr. Antwi-Boasiako hinted that the Authority is being guided by the Governing Board and also through the Joint Cybersecurity Committee to approach cybersecurity regulations from a collaborative perspective. "We believe collaborative regulations holds the key to bring both the public and private sector stakeholders together towards achieving a secure and resilient digital Ghana" "As part of the NCSAM 2022 celebrations which is being launched today under the theme Regulating Cybersecurity: A Public-Private Sector Collaborative Approach”, the Authority will engage with stakeholders including public consultations for inputs into the various regulations which are expected to take full effect starting January 2023" On her part, the Deputy Minister for Communications and Digitization, Ama Pomaa Boateng said "Ladies and gentlemen, the Government is committed to its digitalisation efforts in attaining a reliable and robust digital economy. As a matter of fact, the Government’s desire to accelerate inclusive growth through greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the delivery of public services has led to the implementation of various digitalisation projects including Mobile Money Interoperability; a Universal QR Code Payment System, GhQR; a National Identification System; the e-Passport System; the Ghana.gov infrastructure; and the Paperless Port System, among others" She admitted that the digital space is prone to varying cyber-attacks, adding that it must be a concern for everyone. "In October 2021, INTERPOL reported that cybercrime reduced the GDP of African countries by more than 10%, which was an equivalent of $4.12 billion" "In Ghana, there has been an increase in cyber-related incidents and crimes due to the over-reliance on Information Communications Technology (ICT) for socio-economic activities. The most prevalent cyber incidents received in 2020 by the Cyber Security Authority through the Cybercrime/ Cybersecurity Incident Reporting Points of Contact, launched in October 2019, were online fraud, online impersonation, and the publication of non-consensual intimate images. The overall prevailing incidents reported by businesses, particularly Small-Medium Enterprises, during the period was online fraud which was 63% of all reported crimes" The Deputy Minister mentioned that cybersecurity is key to sustaining Ghana’s digitalisation agenda. "Therefore, it is crucial to have effective measures to protect our critical information infrastructure, coordinate and respond to cybersecurity incidents, and to develop a cybersecurity culture in the interest of our socio-economic development" She added that as part of government’s effort to create awareness on cybersecurity matters in the country, the annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month event has been been institutionalised since October 2018. Additionally, the passage of the Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), establishes the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) whose mandate is to regulate cybersecurity in the country. "In line with the mandate of the CSA, the theme for this year’s celebration of the National Cyber Security Awareness Month is, “Regulating Cybersecurity: A Public-Private Sector Collaborative Approach”. The objective is to enhance public-private sector understanding of cybersecurity regulations and build synergies among all relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with cybersecurity regulations" "Government is an enabler in the development of cybersecurity, and without a shadow of doubt, committed to this mandate. We as stakeholders, however, have a collective responsibility to protect our digital ecosystem through collaborative efforts in regulating the industry" Taking his turn, the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O), Ing Kenneth Ashigbey challenged the public to be vigilant to avoid falling victims to fraudsters. He also appealed to public to avoid giving out their data freely to people. He stressed that once such practices are taken into good consideration, no one will fall victim to scammers and their tricks. President of ISACA Accra Chapter, Daniel Gyampo appealed to parents to pay extra attention to things their kids do while online. He was optimistic that once that is taken into account, children will not be prone to criminal online practices. Background Global digitalisation trends have changed the manner in which businesses are conducted today, created opportunities, and provided enabling environments for economic growth. Recent Statistics indicate that over 62% (4.95 billion) of the world’s population have access to the internet. In Ghana, internet penetration has increased exponentially from 2.31 million in 2012 to 17 million users in 2022, that is 53% of the population; the average time spent per internet user on mobile phones alone is about 5 hours daily. The Cyber Dimension of our Society Ghana’s Internet population stands at a 16.99million constituting 53% of the total population as of the first quarter of 2022 (February 2022) according to research conducted by Hootsuite and We Are Social – two of the globally recognised social media management platforms. This development has translated to the ranking of our social media usage/presence 3rd globally, only behind Nigeria and the Philippines which are ranked number 1 and 2, respectively. Specifically, the research revealed that about a 11.18million users use the internet to access sports betting sites, 10.79million use it to access news sites, 10.68million for social media sites while only a 2.57million uses it to visit informational sites. The above statistics is of relevance to us – as our citizens connect to the internet, they are exposed to cyber-attacks. Why Cyber Security Development The 2019 edition of the National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) was organised under the theme, Demonstrating Ghana’s Cybersecurity Readiness. This was to demonstrate the country’s level of cybersecurity preparedness. A total of about 40,000 high school children, across all the regions were sensitised through a collaboration initiative with UNICEF Ghana. At the height of COVID-19 in 2020, the National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) was organised under the theme, Cybersecurity in the Era of COVID-19 to demonstrate the country’s cybersecurity readiness in challenging times. This edition witnessed the participation of over 100,000 stakeholders locally and internationally. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Management of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has interdiction one of its Airside Patrol Officer, Mr. Awudu Basit for conducting a pre-boarding search on the National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah in the open frontage of the VVIP Lounge at the Kumasi Airport on September 8. According to the GACL, the action by its staff has created a negative impression on the company's image and integrity. In a letter signed by the Group Executive, Human Capital and Office Service, R.S Tagoe, it said "According to the report, you were assigned to perform duties at the Kumasi Airport on 8th September 2022 and you saw the Minister of National Security emerging from the VVIP Lounge to board Africa World Airline flight at about 1430hours" "It is reported that you approached the Hon. Minister and demanded to conduct pre-boarding search on him in the open frontage of the VVIP Lounge which ended up embarrassing the Hon. Minister" The statement further revealed that in view of the negative impression it cast on the company's image and integrity, Management has decided to thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to the incident. "In line with Article 17(e) of the Collective Agreement, we notify you of your interdiction from Friday, September 9, 2022 pending the completion of investigations into the matter. The release added that Mr. Awudu Basit shall be paid two-thirds (2/3) of his salary during the period of interdiction. Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A staff of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Gabriel Sarpong have been arrested on the instruction of Hon. George Mireku Duker for extorting monies from illegal miners and other mining related activities in the excess of GHc200,000.00 in the name of the Honourable Deputy Minister. A tip off by an accomplice led to the arrest of Mr. Gabriel Sarpong on Tuesday, September 13, 2022. Mr. Gabriel Sarpong agreed to all counts of fraudulent activities leveled against him. The Deputy Minister has asked the security apparatus to handle the matter diligently to ensure that, the law deals with Mr. Sarpong severely. Honorable Deputy Minister used the opportunity to indicate that, the prosecution of Mr. Sarpong will serve as a deterrent to others in the same trade of activities to desist. Mr. Gabriel Sarpong is currently in the custody of the Ministries Police Station, Accra. Below is a picture of Mr. Sarpong handcuffed: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Information reaching Thinknewsonline.com indicates that at least five illegal miners have been trapped to death in an illegal mining pit at Nangruma in the Mamprugu/Moaduri District in the North East Region. According to sources, a rescue mission is underway. More to follow.... Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Two late strikes from Portuguese Giant, Sporting Lisbon has secured the maximum three points for them against English side, Tottenham Hotspurs in the ongoing UEFA Champions League. With what seem to be a 50-50 affair, the Portuguese side made good use of the last ten minutes leading to their reward. Spurs in the first department of the game, had lots of possession but their sweet play could not secure them a goal. Striker, Richardlison found the back of the net for the visiting team but his goal was ruled offside by a VAR check. Sporting on the other hand knocked hard at the door of Tottenham and were almost rewarded in the last minute of the first half but skipper, Hugo Lloris denied the Portuguese side. Sporting managed to nick it in the final moments! A brilliant save from Lloris was for nothing as Paulinho headed in the resulting cross to seal what should be three points for the hosts and send the crowd into raptures. Few minutes later, Arthur Gomes' sucker punch sealed it for the home side. Sporting made two substitutions after their first goal. One of the substitutes, Arthur Gomes, had just come on, ran down the pitch and doubled the lead. His goal turned out to be his Sporting and European debut. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

"I'm not still sure whether she (Aisha Huang) was in fact deported or whether she fled the country the first time, and has now come back", President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said. In a radio interview with Stone City in the Volta Region on Monday (September 12, 2022), President Akufo-Addo said, "...but whatever, there still seem to be some uncertainty about it, but whichever way it is, she has become some sort of nickname for all that galamsey represents and unfortunately, for the involvement of Chinese nationals in Ghana." President Akufo-Addo was speaking in reference to En Huang, a Chinese national, popularly known as Aisha Huang, said to be involved in a number of illegal mining [galamsey] activities in Ghana. She was arrested in the past on many occasions for engaging in illegal mining and ended up being released on a number of occasions. The last time she was arrested in 2017/2018, she was arraigned but escaped prosecution as a result of the filing of a nolle prosequi by the prosecution. Subsequently, she was deported to her home country, China, in December 2018. It has just emerged in the last two weeks that, she is back in Ghana and has again been arrested for engaging in illegal mining. She has been accused of sneaking into the country with a new new - Ruixia Huang, and a new Chinese passport. She has been arraigned at an Accra Circuit Court with some other accomplices and has been remanded in police custody. The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice has called for the docket and promised to prosecute her for the first offences prior to 2018 in addition to the new one. President Akufo-Addo is this week in the Volta Region for a tour to inspect ongoing projects and commission completed ones. As usual, wherever he goes on his regional tours, he grants a radio interview and answer questions bothering on local and national issues. So when on Monday afternoon, the issue of the Chinese national En "Aisha" Huang came up in the radio interview with Stone City, the President answered and raised doubts about the nature of the deportation. Flashback In September 2019, President Akufo-Addo stated that the government’s decision to deport Chinese national, Aisha Huang who was facing three counts of undertaking small-scale mining operations was a mistake. The President was responding to a question from a Ghanaian resident in the US state of Colorado at a Princeton University forum during his visit to the United States of America. Watch the video below: Credit; Graphiconline.com