The Police have located and arrested Ibrahim Hussain, alias Kumodzi, the leader of one of the gangs that clashed in Nima last month. On January 18, 2022, there was a bloody clash in Nima between two gangs where persons sustained gunshots and cutlass wounds. After weeks of investigations, the Police have today, Friday, February 4, 2022, confirmed that Kumodzi, leader of the “Kumodzi gang” has been arrested. “Suspect Ibrahim Hussain alias Kumodzi, leader of the “Kumodzi gang” has been arrested and detained to assist investigation into the recent dreaded Mamobi-Nima violence which occurred on January 18, 2022,” a statement from the Ghana Police Service issued via its Facebook page has said. Meanwhile, the security agency notes that officers on the case have intensified efforts to bring to book the leader of the Bombom gang and any other person or gangs that may have been involved in the Nima violence. Story by: Eric Nana Yaw Kwafo

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis, Abdul-Mumin Issah has been granted a Ghc100, 000 bail with 3 sureties after he was charged for dangerous driving. The court presided over by His Honour Micheal Ampadu has adjourned the case to Thursday, 17th of March 2022. The Chief Executive for Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, Abdul-Mumin Issah was arrested by the Western Regional Police Command after he allegedly hurled insults and threatened a Police officer on road check duties. “Mr. Abdul-Mumin Issah, the Hon. MCE for Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly has been arrested by the Western Regional Police Command today, Thursday, 3rd February 2022, for an alleged motor traffic offence, verbal assault and offensive conduct against a Police Officer who was performing his lawful duty,” the Police wrote on Facebook. Background The MCE is overheard angrily heaping invectives on the police officer for insisting that he joins the queue like others and wait for his turn. “You are stupid, you ugly policeman, you say a whole police officer, you are nothing, don’t worry let him play his king kong thing, I have exercised patience for you to call whoever is coming, I could just pass by and there is nothing he can do. If I decide to pass by what else can you do? But I have been patient enough which you have called to come and take me to headquarters. I could have just drove there, go(sic) and you can do whatever you want to do tomorrow morning and it won’t get anywhere,” the MCE is overheard in the exchanges with the on duty police officer.” Below is a picture: Source: starrfm.com.gh

The Metropolitan Chief Executive for Sekondi-Takoradi, Abdul Mumin Issah, will appear in court today, Friday, February 4, 2022, for an alleged traffic violation. Mr Issah was arrested by the Western Regional Police Command on Thursday for allegedly driving while intoxicated, verbal assault, and offensive conduct towards a police officer who was conducting his legitimate duty. He was then charged with assaulting a public official, offensive conduct conducive to breaches of the peace, and disturbing the peace in a public place, all in violation of Sections 205, 207, and 298 of the Criminal and Other Offences Act of 1960, Act 29. The MCE was allegedly driving a Toyota Land Cruiser with the plate number GE 5615-20 when he approached a police snap check station near the Kwesimintsim Cemetery, driving erratically and carelessly. When one of the on-duty cops tried to stop him, he verbally assaulted and threatened him. “You are stupid, you ugly policeman, you say a whole police officer, you are nothing. Don’t worry, let him play his King Kong thing, I have exercised patience for you to call whoever is coming, I could just pass by and there is nothing he can do. If I decide to pass by what else can you do,” Mr Issah said in a viral audio of the said altercation. “If you had acted otherwise, I would have beaten you to death,” he screamed. During the altercation, the police officer was overheard declaring that he was a professional who would not insult him back but would guarantee that he was prosecuted for driving dangerously and endangering his life. The MCE, a well-known figure in the city, had served as NPP Chairman for the Takoradi Constituency before being appointed after the death of former MCE K.K. Sam. Source: citinewsroom.com .

The National Lottery Authority through its new Director-General, Samuel Awuku has engaged with celebrities from the entertainment industry on ways to fight lotto frauding and increase the reputation of the organization. National Lottery Authority teams up with celebrities to fight lotto fraudsters & social media forecasters The event which took place on Tuesday, 28th September 2021 at the Alisa Hotel saw actors and musicians which included Praye Tietia, Kwesi Arthur, Akrobeto, Lilwin, Bibi Bright, Dblack, Samini, Stonebwoy, Jackie Appiah, Andy Dosty, Okyeame Kwame, Cwesi Oteng, Prince David Osei, Barima Sydney, Kalybos and others in attendance. The focus of the meeting was to educate the celebrities on the products and services of the National Lottery Authority and how the organization can leverage their brand equity to sensitize the public on lotto frauds. Speaking at the event, the newly appointed director-general, Mr. Samuel Awuku tasked the brand influencers to create awareness against leaked lotto numbers misinformation. This is a strategy used by fraudsters to dupe unsuspecting Ghanaians. In his remarks, he stated categorically that: “The National Lottery Authority(NLA) has not authorized nor appointed any individual or group of individuals to offer winning lotto numbers to the public. The lottery is a game of chance and it is very impossible to foretell winning numbers before draws because the outcome of draws is conducted in a very transparent manner which has always been open to the public for witnessing at 6:30 pm daily for original 5/90 and 7:30 am daily for NLA VAG Lotto except for Sundays and public holidays.” Speaking on the goals he has set for The National Lottery Authority, Mr. Awuku revealed that the organization intends to make donations towards visible good cause initiatives that are tangible in nature through its yet-to-be-launched “NLA GOOD CAUSE FOUNDATION”. According to him, the NLA has been supporting a number of corporate initiatives and events without publicizing them and plans to change that during his tenure. Story by: Evans Effah

The resolve by Government to ensure the complete reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Appiate community is in full force with the setting up of the Appiate Reconstruction Committee. A Seven Member committee, Chaired by the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio has been inaugurated to build a module Appiate community. At a ceremony to inaugurate the committee on Thursday, February 3, 2022, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor said the unfortunate incident brought to the fore certain challenges. He added that government has therefore stepped up to the challenge and that he is more than impressed with progress made in restoring normalcy to Appiate. The Minister stated that he has received positive reports from the field and is confident that the government and allied institutions will work hard to ensure that residents of Appiate enjoy normal life. He disclosed that under the directive of President Akufo-Addo the Ministry will ensure that all form of support needed by the victims and the community are provided. He charged the committee to draw up a comprehensive plan that will lead to the complete reconstruction of the community that will serve as the standard for resettlement going forward. “When incidents like this happen, they throw up all kinds of matters which have to be handled. We have done some investigations and the report is in and we will act on the report. Very soon we will communicate to the country, the consequences of the report. “There is the other aspect of trying to raise funds. We want citizens and well-wishers of Ghana to support the victims and that is very much ongoing. “The reconstruction of Appiate is an all-important and major aspect of the process. Whatever we have to do to rebuild the community, the President has been very strong on that.” “The reconstruction project implementation team, which is a multi-sectorial, multi- departmental team will oversee the reconstruction of a greener and a sustainable community and the team will be chaired by my Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, who is responsible for Land and Forestry and who himself is a surveyor in good standing and well experienced, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio” he said. He further stated the the Ministry will work in unison with the Ministry of Work and Housing to build an eco-friendly community. “President has asked us to build this community as a model, Ghanaian village community, which is green, and which is sustainable, which is well laid out, and which can be an example, for future development and villages in our country in the future”, he stated. “We want to ensure that the agency or the organ of government, which is responsible for planning, planning communities, and planning townships, has representation on this team. We have a representative of the land use and spartisl planning authority, previously called Town and Country Planning, which is the agency responsible for planning of communities. We want to ensure that the architecture fraternity of our country are involved,”. Responding to the call by the Sector Minister, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio said “on behalf of the team, I want to affirm that we fully accept the assignment given us and we are committed to delivering on our mandate. We are humbled that you’ve handed us such an important assignment. The Chief of Apiate, Nana Atta Kwadwo Bremebi II, Divisional Chief of Beppoh expressed gratitude to the Government and the Ministry for their immense support to the community. The Committee members include Mr. Sylvanus Adjornu, Director of Housing of the Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Kwadwo Yeboah, Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority, Mr. Charles Blankson-Hemans, Ghana Institute of Architects.The rest are Mr. Robert Gyamfi, Resettlement Specialist, Nana Nuamah Kyei-Baffour, Ghana Institute of Surveyors and Nana Atta Kwadwo Bremebi II the Divisional Chief of Beppoh. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minerals Commission has donated GHc2,000,000 to the Appiatse Support Fund. According to the Commission, the donation will help support the victims of the unfortunate Bogoso explosion. Speaking at a brief ceremony in Accra, the Chairperson of the Minerals Commission Board, Barbara Oteng Agyei said "It is out of sympathy for the people of Appiatse that we are giving such an amount to the community. We hope that it will ease the work of the Committee and to also bring the needed relief to the survivors of the explosion" She gave a fervent assurance saying "We will as much as practicable facilitate the investigation into the explosion and into the ongoing review of the legal, regulatory, health, safety and technical regime of the mining industry under the Minerals and Mining explosive regulations (2012), LI 2177 as well as the Minerals and Mining Health and Safety, Technical Regulations 2012, LI 2182". She said without a doubt the appropriate sanctions will be applied where required on the conclusion of the investigation while reaffirming the Commission's commitment to improving standards and increasing sensitization on safety for all. She noted that they are hopeful the gesture will also "ginger" others to donate to the fund so that government will soon restore the lives of the people in the community. Receiving the donation on behalf of the Committee, the Chairperson, Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee thanked the Commission for the generous gesture and also hoped that the purpose of the hastag "Obiaa ntua bi" which translates as 'Everyone dhould contribute' will become a reality. The Chairperson said good things take time and therefore called on the leaders and people of Appiatse to have a little patience while they gather the funds to rebuild the city. " I really wish the community would be built within a very short period but we would need so much to start and therefore I know it's hard but we plead your patience to do this well because good things takes time and if must be done, it must be done well" she pleaded. She also called on the various Mining Companies to do things right and ensure that this tragedy does not reoccur in the country. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. George Mireku Duker had tasked the management of the Precious Mineral Marketing Company (PMMC) to engage with the public and sensitize them on activities of the Mineral marketing company. Hon. George Mireku Duker tasked the management to engage with the public and sensitize them on the activities of the Mineral marketing company. He urged them to collaborate with stakeholders in the mining communities and set up offices in the mining districts to make them accessible to the firms. He believed that such move will prevent the sale of minerals through illegal means christened “black market”. He applauded the current management for their efforts in clearing the debt that once crippled the company. He disclosed that the company has reduced the debt from 30million Cedis to 15million Cedis. He noted that the interest on the debt has impacted negatively on the operations of PMMC and promised to deliberate with the Sector Minister on ways to clear the debt. The Managing Director of PMMC, Nana Kwasi Awuah gave a thorough overview of the work of the PMMC. He highlighted the work his administration has done to turnaround the fortunes of PMMC. He also commended the Deputy Minister for his support so far for helping to turn around the fortunes of the Company and said his outfit will continue to work in the interest of the public. The Deputy Minister and his entourage further paid a working visit to the National Assay Laboratory to abreast themselves with the operations of the Assay Centre. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood has been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of raping a woman. The 20-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of assault on Sunday following allegations on social media. He was then further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and making threats to kill on Tuesday. Manchester United previously said the forward would not return to training or matches until further notice. Greater Manchester Police said Greenwood was arrested after the force "became aware of online social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence". It said magistrates had granted a second extension to keep him in custody until Wednesday but he had now been bailed pending further investigations. Manchester United said the club "did not condone violence of any kind" following the arrest Following the striker's arrest, video game developer EA Sports said Greenwood had been removed from FIFA products. It said he had been taken out of active squads in FIFA 22 and suspended from appearing in FIFA Ultimate Team packs and Ultimate Draft. Sportswear firm Nike previously said it had suspended its relationship with the footballer. "We are deeply concerned by the disturbing allegations and will continue to closely monitor the situation," a spokesman said. Greenwood, who made his Manchester United debut in March 2019, signed a four-year deal in February last year after rising through the ranks of the academy. On Sunday, the club said it "did not condone violence of any kind" and had been made aware of the allegations but would make no further comment until the "facts have been established". In a further statement on Tuesday, the club said it "reiterates its strong condemnation of violence of any kind" Credit: BBC

The Appiatse Support Fund Committee which is headed by Dr. Joyce Aryee, a former CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines engaged the media on Wednesday, 2nd February, 2022 to provide details on how Ghanaians and foreigners can contribute to the Fund for the benefit of the people of Appiatse. Addressing the media, Dr. Joyce Aryee explained that the funds raised will be specifically used to rebuild the Appiatse community into a Mordern Green City and also to provide a source of livelihood for the indigenes of the Community. She announced that the GBC Bank and Stanbic Bank are the two banks with accounts to receive the donations for the fund and gave the accounts number as 101130036123 for GCB Bank and 90400099749 for Stanbic Bank, with QR codes available online. She added that the committee also has a website dubbed: www.appiatsesupportfund.com which is available to provide other needed information to the general public. Dr. Joyce Aryee hinted that those who would want to donate to the Fund in person should call on 0554550550/0209313953 and arrange for a presentation to be done at the Ministry on Mondays and Wednesday. She then encouraged all well-meaning Ghanaians and foreigners, to use any of these means to give generously towards this worthy cause while announcing the hastage for the fund as #Obiaantuabi which translates as "Everyone Should Pay or Contribute" The Chairperson also gave the assurance that giving their terms of reference to deliver in highest standards of integrity and transparency, the committee will ensure that they receive and coordinate these funds accordingly. She disclosed that aside the President of the Republic who has donated a good amount of 100,000 Ghana Cedis, there are number of people waiting in wings to donate and therefore they are hopeful that by March, they would have gathered enough funds to start this project. Dr. Aryee reiterated that the committee will need the support of the media to ensure the details to this is made available to all and sundry. The Appiatse Support Fund was established following an explosion which occurred when a truck carrying explosives for mining was involved in an accident at the town. Thirteen people died from the incident while over hundred people suffered various degrees of injuries. The community was razed down by the explosion. Government established the Fund to support the community. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Government through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, led by the Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 presented some equipment to the Minerals Commission. The items include 20 pickup vehicles, 10 blast monitors, 187 desktops, 68 laptops, 11 photocopiers, 19 printers and 1 back up storage devices. The Minister also handed over 102 UPS machines, 5 scanners, 2 plotters, three projectors and three survey equipment to the commission. Addressing the management and staff of the Commission at on Wednesday, 2nd February, 2022, Hon Jinapor commended the commission for their current performance and urged them to do more to help sanitize the mining sector. He disclosed that he has kept a close eye on the Commission since his assumption of office and is impressed with the recent innovations and output. He charged them to view the unfortunate incident at Appiatsi as a setback and worked hard to move the commission to a higher notch. “We’have come under public scrutiny lately but per my own observations you have done very well and achieved some significant results. I am very convinced that you are doing your very best and I’m really grateful,” he said. Hon. Jinapor stressed on the need for the Commission and the government as a whole to institute measures to prevent a repetition of the Appiati incident and stated that the presentation of the equipment is in furtherance of that directive. He noted that the vehicles and other equipment will empower the commission to discharge its mandate. “For you to be able to do your work, you need equipment and the basic equipment people like you need is the means of transport which is why working in close collaboration with the Board and CEO and Minister of Finance, we have been able to free up some resources which have culminated in these hardwares or equipment to the Commission,” he said. The Board Chairman of the Minerals Commission, Mrs Barbara Oteng Gyasi expressed her gratitude to the government and the sector Minister adding that these timely support will help the Commission to undertake their monitoring and inspectorate duties more efficiently. She described the logistics as “important “ and implored on the staff of the commission to “do your work well and protect the entire nation.” The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission Mr Martin Ayisi said the intervention by the Minister is a product of continuous consultations and further pledge that his outfit will ensure the the logistical support will be put to good use. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Despite government's intensified efforts in a bid to convince more Ghanaians to accept the imposition of the 1.75% Electronic Transaction Levy, a new survey suggests that 56 percent of self-confessed New Patriotic Party supporters sampled are against the unpopular policy. Meanwhile, 86 percent of self-confessed NDC supporters are against the e-levy. On average, 72 percent of respondents are against the e-levy, according to the survey by Global Info Analytics. The levy has been a hot topic since it was proposed by the government in the 2022 budget. Executive Director of Global Info Analytics, Musa Danquah, said the survey shows cross-party opposition to the e-levy. “I wasn't surprised, but what I was surprised by was, I was expecting it to be a bit higher than what we got,” Mr. Danquah said on the Citi Breakfast Show. The survey in general sampled 2,422 persons of voting age in 34 constituencies across the country. The survey, which focused on governance, corruption, and politics, also revealed 58 percent of respondents believed the government is in the wrong direction. Fifty-three percent of respondents also revealed they were not optimistic about the future direction of the country. Thirty-three percent felt things would get better in the next 12 months, while 14 percent were on the fence. “Those who think that the direction is going the wrong way is the same number that thinks the president is not doing a good job,” Mr. Danquah noted. He also said their findings tallied similar surveys in the past. “If you watch the direction of the country, I think the number we have is exactly the same as was reported by Afrobarometer,” Mr. Danquah said, as an example. Credit: CitiNewsroom

Speculation that Niger may become the next Sahel nation to suffer a coup has surged since Burkina Faso underwent a putsch last week, less than 18 months after a military takeover in Mali. The three former French colonies share many characteristics. They are deeply poor, their armed forces are struggling with a bloody jihadist insurgency and all have a history of political volatility. Critics of President Mohamed Bazoum's regime, angry at perceived corruption and failures to end the security crisis, are flooding social media following the January 24 coup in Burkina. Some predict that Niger could go the way of its neighbours -- and others are going so far as to urge the army "to shoulder its responsibility" and seize power. Map showing zones of influence by armed groups in the Sahel. Niger outwardly seems to highly vulnerable to a coup. The landlocked arid state ranks as the poorest country in the world, according to the UN's Human Development Index. It is battling two jihadist campaigns -- one on its border with Mali in the west, the other on its frontier with Nigeria in the southeast. And the country has endured four coups since independence in 1960, beginning with the ouster in 1974 of its first president. The last was in February 2010, although there were attempted takeovers between 2011 and 2021. Even so, analysts caution against buying into the idea of coup contagion. "Everyone fears a spread but frankly, popular discontent has not reached the level of Burkina Faso or Mali," said Nigerien analyst Amadou Bounty Diallo. President Bazoum has been in office for less than a year. He was elected in February 2021, taking over from Mahamadou Issoufou, who stepped down after two elected terms, opening the way for the country's first peaceful handover of power since 1993. Diallo warned against complacency, though. "President Bazoum has to take stock of the depth of discontent stirred by the jihadist massacres and fix it," he said. Diallo also said Bazoum needs to tackle corruption -- including a notorious military procurement scandal that involved tens of millions of dollars in overbilling. No 'dominos' An African diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, similarly ruled out "the theory of a domino effect" in Niger. "The cocktail is not as explosive" as in its neighbours, the diplomat said. Bazoum "isn't facing opposition in the streets," unlike the presidents who have recently been unseated -- Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in Mali and Roch Marc Christian Kabore in Burkina. A Niger army patrol on duty in a street in Niamey during the 2020 presidential campaign. By Issouf SANOGO (AFP/File) Ornella Moderan, head of the Sahel programme at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) based in Bamako, agreed. "It is true that the country has a long tradition of coups d'etat, and that it is facing a security crisis that's going from bad to worse," she said. "However, it seems to me that the immediate elements which served as triggers in Mali, Burkina or even Guinea (where the military also took power in September) are not present." The "triggers," she suggested, include "a long-standing social crisis made worse by the lack of response from governments, an open post-election crisis, and the extent of the failure of the Malian and Burkina governments to counter the (jihadist) threat." Army question One point, argued others, is that Niger's armed forces enjoy better morale than their counterparts Mali or Burkina, and are thus less likely to mutiny. "We have a strong army, which is present across the country," said a source at the presidency. Bazoum is "showing more signs of a desire to improve governance," said Nigerien constitutional scholar Amadou Boubacar. "He took the gamble of going into the field to pay tribute to soldiers (fighting the jihadists) and he is showing a willingness to establish dialogue and fight corruption." Souley Oumarou, a civil society leader, also noted that Niger lacks a strong political opposition. In both Mali and Burkina, a groundswell of public protests served as the spark for a coup. In Niger, "the conditions aren't there," Oumarou said. Credit: Boureima Hama