Director of Communications for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Yaw Buaben Asamoa is making a case for the NPP’s mandate to be renewed again in the 2024 elections. He said the NPP must be voted for once more in order to consolidate the gains made in the economy over the period. In his view, the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) destroys the economy whenever they take over from the NPP. Addressing a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, May 4 to respond to the public lecture on the theme “Ghana at crossroads” given by Former President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, May 2, Mr. Buaben Asamoa who is also a former Member of Parliament for Adentan said “8 elections in the democratic dispensation offered by the 1992 constitution with four wins each by the NPP and the NDC, it is time Ghanaians choose decisively which party will lead them into a future of hope and prosperity. “The 8-year rotation remains a painful and meaningless ritual if the NPP continues to build every 8 years and the NDC continues to pull down in a subsequent 8-year cycle. It in this context that former President John Dramani Mahama seeks to characterize Ghana as being at a crossroads in his recent public lecture.” Mr. Mahama who was the Presidential Candidate for the NDC in the 2020 elections said in his address that “Countrymen and women, Ghana our dear nation is at a Crossroads, and we must tarry a while and reflect deeply on the road that we must take. The wrong choice leads us down an easy path of chaos and destruction. The right choice would lead us up a path of prosperity and dignity, but with hard work and sacrifice. “My countrymen and women, I can assure you that as our forebears did in the past, if we come together – united as one – there is no task that will be insurmountable. The future is bright if we rebuff those who seek to divide us for their personal gain, and if we open the opportunities of our country to all our citizens irrespective of ethnicity, political affiliation, age, or gender. “Thirty years have passed since President Jerry John Rawlings of blessed memory, appended his signature to the newly drafted Constitution of 1992, which made an irrevocable commitment to a return to democratic rule and constitutional governance. “In the period preceding that moment, which set in motion what has turned out to be the most stable and enduring period of governance in our history, we have plunged from the heights of the Black Star of Africa. From the lofty ambitions of the post-independence era, to the depths of economic catastrophe, institutional decay, corruption, and despondency. Our life as a nation had been checkered with multiple governance experiments alternating between civilian and military administrations. “The several starts and stops led to a situation where, by the 1980s, our circumstance seemed intractable. The economy was in complete shamble and growing negatively. There appeared no way out of the stranglehold of poverty and despair, and we teetered on the brink of national collapse.” Story by: Laud Nartey

The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has said he is yearning for a day where there will be high quality healthcare service in Ghana so that people will not have to fly abroad for medical attention. Speaking to journalists on an initiative by the Volta Regional hospital to raise 3.2million dollars to support the procurement of equipment for its cardiothoracic centre, Mr Ablakwa said there was the need to build healthcare system that works for everybody. “We need to build a healthcare that works for our people, for all of us,” he said. He added “It is not every medical condition that you can be privileged to be transported outside the location where you are. I want to see a day where we will have very high quality healthcare so that we don’t have to fly anybody abroad, whether you are a VIP or you are a politician or whoever you are,” he said. Watch the video below: Story by: Laud Nartey

Chief Operations Officer at Dalex Finance, Mr Joe Jackson has noted that the government has not been able to carry everybody along to accept the e-levy. This is a job the government must to justify the introduction of the tax, he said. Speaking on the News 360 on TV3 Tuesday May 3, he said “The issue is clear, if the NDC wins, NDC says [they] will repeal the e-levy. The e-levy is one tax which evokes a very emotional response from Ghanaians, they don’t like it, they don’t think it is equitable and up until now, the ruling government has not been able to carry Ghanaians along with the tax. “That is obviously a role that every government must play. Nobody enjoys paying taxes, but if you impose a tax then you must find the way to justify it to show that it is equitable and carry the people who have to pay along with it…” Former President John Mahama stated emphatically that a government of the NDC will cancel the e-levy. “We in the NDC do not oppose taxation as a principle. We will not be pretentious and couch fanciful slogans to condemn the principle of taxation like the NPP did in the past. We are, however, implacably opposed to distortionary and burdensome taxes like the e-levy that only force Ghanaians to endure more suffering. “A new National Democratic Congress Government, God willing and with the votes of the sovereign people of Ghana – in 2025 – will repeal the E-Levy Act,” he said while delivering an address titled “Ghana at Crossroad” on Monday May 2. The controversial levy started on Sunday May 1 amidst public outcry. The NDC heavily opposed the introduction of the levy. In their view, it is punitive and amounts to double taxation. The bill was passed by Parliament on Tuesday March 29 after the Minority staged a walkout. They walked out after their leader Haruna Iddrisu said the NDC MPs remained united in opposing the policy. On Tuesday April 19 they filed an application at the Supreme Court to block the commencement of the e-levy deductions. Hearing of this application is expected to be heard on Wednesday May 4. Story by: Laud Nartey

The Supreme Court has thrown out the injunction application filed against the e-levy. The apex court also directed the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to keep all records of deductions following the implementation of the electronic transaction levy. In a unanimous ruling Presiding Judge Nene Amegatcher reading the judgment noted that the nature of the relief sought by the minority is null and void. Three Members of Parliament; Minority Leader, Haruna Iddrisu; Mahama Ayariga(Bawku Central) and Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa(North Tongu) are seeking the Supreme Court to restrain the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) from implementing the E-Levy until the final determination of an earlier substantive suit challenging the constitutionality of the bill by Parliament. Lead counsel for minority, Godwin Edudzi Tamaklo argued that greater parties will suffer, adding he 5u4 e-levy did not seek the interest of the public. Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame opposed the injunction by the three minority members. Source: 3news.com

Managing Editor of the National Forum, James Kwabena Bonfeh (Kabila) has said the assurance given by Former President John Dramani Mahama that a future National Democratic Congress (NDC) government will abolish the e-levy will not happen. Without explaining further, he stated on the New Day show on TV3 Wednesday May 4 that the NDC may not get the chance to abolish the policy. “They may never get the chance to do that…and if they got the chance, they surely will not abolish it. Mark my words,” he told host Johnnie Hughes. Former President John Mahama announced the NDC’s plan to cancel the policy if they come into office while addressing the nation on Monday May 2 titled “Ghana at Crossroads”. “We in the NDC do not oppose taxation as a principle. We will not be pretentious and couch fanciful slogans to condemn the principle of taxation like the NPP did in the past. We are, however, implacably opposed to distortionary and burdensome taxes like the e-levy that only force Ghanaians to endure more suffering. “A new National Democratic Congress Government, God willing and with the votes of the sovereign people of Ghana – in 2025 – will repeal the E-Levy Act,” he said. The controversial levy started on Sunday May 1 amidst public outcry. The NDC heavily opposed the introduction of the levy. In their view, it is punitive and amounts to double taxation. The bill was passed by Parliament on Tuesday March 29 after the Minority staged a walkout. They walked out after their leader Haruna Iddrisu said the NDC MPs remained united in opposing the policy. On Tuesday April 19 they filed an application at the Supreme Court to block the commencement of the e-levy deductions. Hearing of this application is expected to be heard on Wednesday May 4. Story by: Laud Nartey

After his born-again declaration, Ghanaian actor turned evangelist Majid Michel always has his crusade on every platform. He ended his appearance on TV3 New Day beseeching unbelievers to know God and submit to his will. Once a bad boy and the proverbial prodigal son, Majid Micheal is in full force with his soul-winning for Christ. In a short emotional message to his fans, the actor singled out the atheist confessing to having toed their path before. “There is one thing I want you to know. There is a God. If you are an atheist and you are out there, I used to be in a place like that, fine. But there is a God. Not just a god, but there’s a God who has a will. Find him and have a relationship.” Majid Micheal further urged atheists to “start a relationship the same way you will start a relationship with your girlfriend or boyfriend. It’s the same way. Start talking to him and start being aware of the fact that he’s with you.” Accordingly, he pointed out that the decision to leave the convent is always made by men and not God. “He’s close to you. He never went anywhere. You are the one that left. So come back, start talking to him, and he has a will for you. Always remember, and don’t forget that.” Majid Michel also reminded his fan to pin down the date for the movie premiere of the 50/50 movie. “Ghana, I love you guys so much. This is Majid Michel. I want to invite you on the 21st of May, come not to just watch the movie, come and connect. Come and network. There will be a lot of people there that you will love to meet. Your network is your net worth. So come and get some contacts. Let’s talk. Let’s take pictures, come and have fun. The only reason we do what we do is because of you. Without you, there’s no us,” he concluded. Watch the video below: Story by: Grace Somuah-Annan

The Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Dr. Kwaku Afriyie (MP) says he is in support of the burning of Excavators by the Operation Halt Team following their fight against illegal galamsey operators and their operations in the country. According to him, the Excavators used by the illegal miners have not only destroyed lands but also some nature resources. Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, he said "I have seen the devastation they are causing. I side with Minister A Jinapor so much in the burning of the Excavators. The have caused a lot of damages" "The galamseyers destroyed many farms including mine. They should be even jailed 15 to 25 years" "If you calculate the carbon that they are producing through the burning of Excavators, it is not as bad as the activities of the galamseyers" Months ago, a directive was given by government to have the Excavators being used by the illegal mining operators burnt. The directive however received mixed reactions as some scores of Ghanaians described the directive as heartless while other commended government for taking such action. The Minister also added that his Ministry is not considering the ban of plastics in the country. Responding to his tours of some plastic production firms in Tema and Ashaiman, he said, "Yes, I have toured other regions. Recently we were in Kwahu to create the awareness of plastics" Touching on the transition to low carbon future under building climate resilience, he explained "Climate finance is one of the strategies to mobilize finance from the carbon market to support implement of the Nationally Determined Contributions" Throwing more light on the environmental protection on the Appiatse Explosion, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie (MP) said his sector provided some technical and financial support to the survivors. He stressed that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted two (2) impact assessment of the environment to determine the Ammonium Nitrate levels. Subsequently, an approval was given to the District Assembly to begin work on the land. "EPA is continuing with strict enforcement as per its mandate to prevent future explosions" The Minister also revealed that the EPA is considering Emergency escort service licensed for transporters and dealers of hazardous substances. On food security and poverty reduction, the Minister noted that the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has conserved 636 and distributed 186 plant accessing during the year under review. "This is to ensure the country preserves its plant genetic material for posterity. 14 germplasms developed for climate smart agriculture" He added that 2500kg of maize breeder and foundation seeds were supplied to seed growers to produce certified seeds for farmers under Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ). On nuclear power, he said "Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) through the Nuclear Power Institute has partnered SKT AeroShutter to deliver enhanced Drone services to support the project feasibility. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Several farmers in Bompata, Asankare and Adansi in the Asante Akim South District of the Ashanti Region, say they have lost their source of livelihood after a private developer claiming ownership to their farmlands destroyed several acres of their cocoa farms and other crops. The affected farmers who have dragged the developer to court want him to be cited for contempt since he is going ahead to cause destruction to more cocoa farms to prepare the land for his project. The farmers are also calling on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to intervene in addressing the matter. “I want the court to cite them for contempt since the matter is pending before a competent court of jurisdiction. We want Otumfuo to intervene to ensure justice is delivered. All our properties have been destroyed. We are appealing to Otumfuo to intervene to ensure that adequate compensation is given to the affected farmers,” an affected farmer, Kwaku Asamoah Adjei stated. Kwaku Asamoah Adjei told Citi News that he collapsed and became unconscious upon seeing his cocoa farm and other crops being destroyed by the developer and was admitted at the hospital for days. “I came here on Monday and then left for a meeting. While at the meeting, I was informed that some people had come here and were causing destruction to our crops. I rushed here and out of shock, I collapsed. I couldn’t stand the fact that all my properties on the land including my cocoa farm had been destroyed”. Other affected farmers who shared their ordeal with Citi News stated that the development has left them very much frustrated. “My cocoa farm has been completely destroyed. I am not even able to provide for my family now. All other crops have been destroyed,” a farmer Baba Amadu lamented. Meanwhile, some of the affected farmers say although their land owners have received a form of compensation, they believe the amount is too small and want it to be relooked at. ”Before destroying our farm produce, they assured me that I would be given adequate compensation so I agreed. After destroying my farm produce, they only gave me 29 thousand cedis. I had two buildings on the farmland. They said they were going to give me thousand for that,” a farmer, Timothy Avoka stated. “They called us this Friday and didn’t even alert us that they were going to start destroying our crops. The amount they gave us too wasn’t enough,” another farmer, Kwame Agyapong added. Attempts to reach the traditional leaders in the area and the developer for their response on the matter proved futile. Credit: Citinewsroom

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has said for the first time in two years, Muslims in Ghana will be observing normal Eid prayers without Covid-19 restrictions. He said this is a massive grace the almighty Allah has bestowed on the country for which the people are most grateful. In his message to all Ghanaians especially Muslim on the occasion of the EidAlFitr celebration on Tuesday May 3, he said “As we rejoice with our families and loved ones, let us remain thankful for his mercies and grace and continue to pray for our family, loved ones and our dear country. “Let us continue to uphold our beautiful spirit of selflessness, generosity and compassion we showed towards humanity during the month of Ramadan.” Story by: Laud Nartey

An elderly Shanghai resident was mistakenly declared dead and taken to a morgue in a body bag, in the latest sign of dysfunction in the Covid-stricken city where millions of people remain under government-enforced lockdown. Video footage, shot by a bystander, shows the moment several workers dressed head-to-toe in protective gear recoil as they realize the man is still alive. The footage has since gone viral on Chinese social media, sparking horror and outrage. The video, posted on Sunday, shows the head of the man -- a nursing home resident -- appearing from the yellow body bag as the workers lift it from a vehicle. The person filming the video, apparently from a nearby building, can be heard saying, "The nursing home is such a mess. They sent a living person on a hearse and said they were dead. The undertaker staff said they were still moving ... It is irresponsible, really irresponsible." On China's Twitter-like platform Weibo, many expressed disbelief such a grave mistake could have happened -- especially in Shanghai, which has long been seen as China's most progressive and modern city. "The problems in Shanghai are fully exposed this time," read one popular comment on Weibo. "This counts as intentional homicide," wrote another user. Many others pointed out the man could have been buried or cremated had he not been discovered alive. "The government doesn't care ... what is going on in Shanghai?" one comment read. The district government responded to the incident on Monday, saying in a statement the elderly man was now in a stable condition. Three officials have been removed from the district's civil affairs bureau and social development office, and the head of the nursing home has also been removed, it said. Authorities have also revoked the certification of a doctor who was involved, and who is now under investigation, according to the state-run Global Times. The financial hub has been battling an outbreak of Covid-19 cases since early March, and has now been under citywide lockdown since March 31. It has become the center of China's wider outbreak, with cases rising and lockdown measures being introduced in numerous cities. For weeks, the lockdown prohibited nearly all 25 million residents from leaving their homes or residential compounds -- prompting logistical chaos, with many complaining they were unable to access basic goods like food, water, health products and even medical care for non-Covid emergencies. Last week, authorities said some neighborhoods could start to ease lockdown measures if they have reported no cases in the past two weeks, allowing some neighborhoods a measure of freedom within their district. As of Tuesday, more than 8.2 million Shanghai residents were still banned from leaving their residential compounds. Meanwhile, cases are also rising in the national capital Beijing, where schools and other public spaces like libraries and shopping malls have been closed. More than 20 million residents will undergo three more rounds of mass testing this week, on top of several rounds implemented last week, authorities announced Monday. Credit: BBC

The Reds came back from two goals down to win the second leg of their semifinal clash against Villarreal in Spain on Tuesday night. At halftime, Liverpool's Champions League dreams looked set to become a nightmare. When the final whistle arrived, the dream of continental supremacy was still alive and well. After blowing a 2-0 aggregate lead at Villarreal in the semifinal second leg, the Reds exploded for three goals in the second half to not only win the second leg, 3-2, but to advance to their third UCL final in the last five seasons. They advanced 5-2 on aggregate. Fabinho, Luis Diaz and Sadio Made each scored in a 12-minute span to turn the tie on its head, stunning fans at Estadio de la Ceramica after their team had Liverpool on their heels with an exceptional opening 45 minutes. A third-minute goal from Boulaye Dia and a 41st-minute header from Francis Coquelin allowed the Spanish club to dream, but in the end they could not produce enough. Fabinho scored his first UCL goal for the Reds, and what a big one it was in the 62nd minute, giving them the 3-2 lead on aggregate. Five minutes after that low strike trickled past Geronimo Rulli, Diaz headed home a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross to end Cinderella's time at the ball. Mane cemented the win with a nifty solo finish 16 minutes from time. A common theme on all three Liverpool goals was the poor execution by goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli and his defenders, making it too easy for their visitors, who came to life when it mattered most. As a result, Liverpool now await Manchester City or Real Madrid in the final, with those two playing their semifinal second leg on Wednesday. Credit: cbssport

Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, is suggesting that the Free Senior High School programme should be targeted at persons with genuine need and not made to benefit everyone. Speaking at a Leadership Dialogue Series by the Centre of Social Justice themed ‘Ghana’s education system, current state, and future aspirations’, the former University of Ghana Vice-Chancellor proposed that some Senior High Schools should be allowed to demand fees whereas others are made free. This, he believes will create a fair playing field for students from all walks of life. “I believe strongly that we need to target people, and the most appropriate way is by means-testing. Means testing by the government will reduce the cost of tuition to the government and the monies saved channeled to improving the facilities and providing quality service. We have to find ways of pursuing what best works in our environment. Instead of making SHSs free, why don’t we make some free and others payable.” “With that parents get to make a decision based on their strength. Even with the schools that are not free, scholarship opportunities could be created to allow people who are not financially strong to compete for them. That way, we can drag everyone along, poor or rich.” There have been calls on government to review the Free SHS policy, as it takes a chunk of the country’s resources, and poses a threat to quality, although access has drastically improved. But the government insists the programme will remain as it is, despite the challenges in the release of funds to the various Senior High Schools. The tenth edition of the Leadership Dialogue Series held via Zoom under the auspices of the Centre for Social Justice, CSJ, was moderated by Journalist, Mrs. Dzifa Gbeho-Bampoh of TV3. Aside from the guest speaker, Prof. Ernest Aryeetey, a parent, Dr. Foster Kwawu, and a graduate of the government’s Free Senior High School policy, Ruby Charlene Opoku, participated in the discussion. Credit: Citinewsroom