Residents of Buoho-Achina in the Afigya Kwabre South District of the Ashanti Region are currently living in fear due to the alleged storage of dynamites in the area. The suspected dynamites, according to residents, have been stored in a 40 feeter container at a residential area closer to a stone blasting site in the area. Some residents in the area who agreed to speak to this reporter on condition of anonymity lamented that the “dangerous" siting of the suspected dynamites in the residential area is making them have sleepless nights following the explosion at Bogoso last week. A resident who lives few meters away from the container said the situation is creating so much fear in residents of the area. And with the recent explosion at Appiatse still fresh in the minds of many Ghanaians, the residents are calling on agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ghana Mines Commission to as a matter of urgency, see to the relocation of the suspected dynamites. "Honestly, I have been in constant fear since I heard the recent explosion at Appiatse," A resident and a taxi driver in the area lamented. He added, "this container storing the alleged dynamites have been here for several years and it's just until recently that we learnt about how dangerous the product could be." One woman who spoke to this reporter said the swift relocation of the container would go a long way to avert any disaster in the area. They disclosed that multiple stone quarry sites have been operating near the residential area in the community making life uncomfortable. They claimed that relevant regulatory institutions either failed to execute their duties or were complicit in their job. Meanwhile, the Director of ESM Quarries Limited Mr Sarpong, the owners of the container has vehemently denied the allegations of dynamite stored in the area He challenged anyone who doubt their stand to visit the site and verify the content in the container. But the residents hold strong their belief that the container contains a dangerous substance. Story by: Jacob Agyenim Boateng

The University of Ghana, legon has appointed the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong unto the Annual New Year School and Conference (ANYSC) Corporate Advisory team. The team was inaugurated by the President of Ghana, H.E Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo- Addo at the 73rd Annual New Year School Conference organized by the University of Ghana and tasked with the responsibility to advise on how reports of the conference will help advance Ghana's strategic growth. The team is chaired by lawyer Samuel Okudzeto (Member of the council of state) and includes Hon. Ken Ofori Attah (Minister of Finance), Dr. Ernest Addison, Prof. Olivia Kwapong, Mr. Andrews Dotse and Mrs Regina Afari Boateng. Covid-19 challenged Ghana's private sector to be innovative Speaking at the conference which is on the theme "Covid-19 and Socio economic Dynamics in Ghana", the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong indicated that Covid-19 as a global pandemic brought innovation into Ghana's private sector as Companies had to innovate to cope with the challenges that came with the pandemic. Dr. Agyepong pointed out that the innovations such as local production of hand sanitizers, nose masks, hand washing machines, disinfection chemicals among others were some Initiatives local companies and SMEs had to venture into to create new job opportunities. "We at the Jospong group of Companies and Zoomlion Ghana Limited had to innovate in the areas of assembling technologies and equipments to undertake nationwide disinfection exercises. We had to learn from what the Chinese were doing and locally replicated that by designing and assembling vehicles that can undertake massive disinfection activities". Dr. Agyepong lauded the visionary leadership of the President Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo during the intensed period of Covid-19 and his support to help local companies innovate to fight Covid-19. The President of Ghana, H.E Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo- Addo in a statement as the guest speaker indicated that Ghana recorded one of the lowest Covid-19 deaths rate in the world and this was due to the prudent management of the Covid-19. He said Ghana was named alongside Korea as one of the best countries to have properly managed the Covid-19. The President noted that there were no lay off in the public sector as salaries of the public sector workers were not reduced He added that Ghana remained self food sufficient country despite the global food supply chain impact due to planting for food and Jobs initiative. The Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Mrs Mary Chinery-Hesse indicated that since the inception of the annual new year school and conference in 1948 it has provided a unique platform for national discourse on development issues. "National and local government agencies, academia and other stakeholders have used this platform to deliberate Ghana's strategic growth". She said the new inaugurated ANYSC Corporate Advisory team will help stimulate economic growth of the country. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has officially launched an Apiate Support Fund for persons affected by the recent Bogoso explosion. According to the government, the support fund will among others also provide relief to the victims. Speaking at the launch, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor said “The committee has been tasked to raise sufficient funds for the Apiate Support Fund. They are also to supervise the disbursement of the fund in accordance with the standard of integrity and transparency for the sole benefit of the people of Apiate” The Minister also mentioned that he is confident that given the caliber of citizens assembled, they will execute the task in a fair, transparent, and prudent manner. Mr. Abu Jinapor further called on Ghanaians, residents of Ghana, companies, civil society organizations to generously contribute to the noble endeavor. The Lands Minister used the occasion to outdoor a five-member committee who will spree-head the Apiate Support Fund agenda. The Minister told journalists that the move was an instruction from President Akufo-Addo. Mr. Jinapor introduced the Founder of Salt and Light Ministry, Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee as the chairperson of the five-member committee. On her part, Chairperson of the Apiate Support Fund, Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee thanked President Akufo-Addo and Hon. Abu Jinapor for the opportunity lead the team and promised to do their best. “We ask that the reason that this Fund has been set up will be fully realized that the people of Apiate will know that we live in a nation that is compassionate, under a government that cares deeply for every single person” She assured that Ghanaians will soon see great things happening from the Apiate Support Fund. She called on the media to support the agenda. It will be recalled that Vice President Bawumia on behalf of the government last week donated an amount of GHc200,000 as a seed fund to support families that were hit by the Bogoso tragedy. The five board members include Chairperson Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee, Former CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Tetrete Okuamoah Sakyi II, Omanhene of Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area, and a Member of the Western Regional House of Chief and Board Chairman of the Forestry Commission. The others are; Philip Owiredu, Managing Director of CAL Bank, and Dr. Antoinette Tsiboe-Darko, Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana. Also, a representative from the Ghana Chamber of Mines was included as a member of the board. Below are some pictures and a video: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Executive Chairman of Jospong Group of Companies (JGC), Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, has stated that the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has allowed the private sector to innovatively use local resources to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) including nose masks, hand sanitisers to help contain the spread of the virus. He explained that this became feasible because of the “boldness” of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to initiate a public private partnership to embark on a massive disinfection exercise across the country. Dr. Siaw Agyepong made the observation while delivering an address at the opening of the 73rd Annual New Year School and Conference (ANYSC) on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. This year’s New Year’s School, which is being held at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana, is on the theme; “Covid-19 and Socioeconomic Dynamics in Ghana.” Meanwhile Dr Siaw Agyepong has been appointed as a member of the University of Ghana’s (ANYSC) Advisory Team. Despite the devastation effects of Covid, he said local resources have come handy in the production of elements which are assisting in the fight against Covid in the country. “With the onset of the pandemic and in the wake of the closure of air, land and sea borders, Ghana came out with what he termed home grown measures to contain the spread of the pandemic,” Dr Siaw Agyepong noted. He recounted that a total of 45 waste treatment plants across the country comprising 16 solid waste treatment plants, 16 liquid waste treatment plants and 13 medical wastes plants were currently undergoing construction. Dr Siaw Agyepong thus entreated Ghanaians to actively get involve in reviving the economy back on track. According to him, the national disinfection exercise saw the disinfection of about 2,500 markets across the country within two days, adding that it has also offered employment to some 2,500 people. “…over 77,000 schools, churches and mosques benefited from the nationwide disinfection operation which has helped in curbing the spread of the virus,” he further said. The Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Mrs. Mary Chinery-Hesse, who was the Chairperson for the opening, was upbeat that the government's “Obaatanpa” programme will seek to boost socioeconomic development in the mist of the pandemic. She explained that New Year School event provided a unique platform for birthing ideas for national development, stressing that it (the New Year School) has continued to birth themes which have set the tone for worth consideration, particularly the times that country has found itself. She gave the assurance that the annual event will go beyond the normal rhetoric and continue to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Concerns have been raised about a viral video in which the captain of the senior national team, Black Stars, Andrè Dede Ayew was captured sprinkling a whitish substance on the football pitch before a game. The Black Star captain in the video was seen jogging from the tunnel to the pitch. After saying a prayer at touchline, Dede Ayew was captured sprinkling the substance while jogging to the centre of the park. It is however uncertain what accounted for the sprinkling. However, some scores of Ghanaians have hit hard on the captain saying 'it's juju'. Watch the videos below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Government through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources will tomorrow, 25th January 2022, launch the Apiate Endowment Fund to among others help support and provide relief efforts to persons affected by the recent explosion which occurred last Thursday, 20th January 2022 at Apiate, a suburb of Bogoso in the Western Region. The Sector Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor said the establishment of this Fund will also help in the reconstruction of the entire community which was raised done. At a meeting with the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Hon. Jinapor said the time has come for the Chamber to work closely with Government and ensure the safety of the Ghana Mining space. He also mentioned that his outfit will inaugurate a Committe to examine the health and safety issues in the Mining Sector of Ghana. Touching on the suspension of the Maxam Company, he indicated that "this suspension is total until such a time that all issues surrounding it is resolved". In a remark, Mr. Eric Asubonteng, President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, said the Chamber will be a constructive partner to the Ministry and is also ever ready to support the fund on individual basis as well as the entity. He however hoped that the outcome of the Investigative Committee will help fashion out ways to improve the entire Mining Industry. The Fund which is aimed at soliciting support from individuals, corporate institutions and well-meaning Ghanaians, will also be managed by an independent body with supervision from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Police has arrested one more suspect allegedly involved in the violent clashes between some youth groups at Nima in Accra last week. The suspect, Farouk Dauda, alias Omondi, aged 31, was arrested through a joint collaboration between the police and the National Investigation Bureau (NIB). A statement from the police said he was arrested on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at his hideout in a suburb of Accra based on intelligence, after going into hiding following the incident which occurred on January 18, 2022. “During interrogation, he admitted his involvement in the said clash where he was captured in a video footage wielding a machete as he identified himself in the said video footage,” the police said. The police added that a search conducted on him revealed wrapped substances suspected to be Indian hemp. “A search conducted on him led to the retrieval of a wrapped substance suspected to be Indian hemp. He is currently in police custody assisting with investigations,” the statement said. The police has further indicated that it is working to arrest all other suspects involved in the incident. Seven suspects have already been arrested in connection with the incident. They are; Ali Awudu alias Bombo and Ibrahim Hussien alias Kumodzi, both of whom are said to be ringleaders and are at large, Abdul Gafaru Mahama, Aziz Sulemana alias Rambo (on hospital admission), and Ibrahim Moro alias Jallo (also on hospital admission). The rest are Atarouwa Bassam, Abdul Mumuni Gariba, Mohammed Saabi Barinu alias Namer, Bashiru Ganiru, Illiasu Salim, and Issa Seidu. On their first appearance in court, they were denied bail as the judge said it was early days yet, and that the police were yet to demonstrate any undue delays. The court, however, ordered the police to investigate the alibi of the accused persons for the next adjourned date of February 1, 2022, at 10.30 am. Below are some pictures: Story by: Jonas Nyabor

The Coastal Development Authority (CODA) has commissioned and handed over an astroturf pitch to the Abofu community in the Okaikoi North Municipality. The project, which was constructed in line with the vision of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to provide each constituency with a modern multi-purpose sports facility, was funded by the Government of Ghana under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP). The commissioning and handing over took place at a colourful event on Sunday, January 23, 2021 and was witnessed by government officials, the Member of Parliament for Okaikoi North constituency, traditional leaders and a cross section of residents and football enthusiasts. A commemorative football match was played between Abofu and Achimota communities led by their respective Assemblymen. Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of CODA in charge of Greater Accra Region, Mr. Kingsley Kofi Karikari-Bondzie emphasised that the Authority remained duty-bound in ensuring that the vision of President Akufo-Addo to provide sports and other essential community infrastructure to accelerate economic and social development is realised. The DCEO recalled the strenuous efforts made by the former MP in justifying the selection and approval of the project and urged residents and leaders to continue to work together and support government in the development of the Okaikoi North constituency. The Municipal Chief Executive of the Okaikoi North Municipal Assembly, Hon. Boye Laryea, in his remarks, stated that sports was a unifier and called on all sections of the Abofu community to see the new astroturf as a symbol of unity to move the community forward. He commended Hon. Fuseini Issah for lobbying for the project. CODA approved construction of the project following a consensus built through the instrumental role of the former MP, Hon. Fuseini Issah. IPEP Also known as the One Million Dollars Per Constituency initiative, IPEP is a flagship of the Akufo-Addo administration which seeks to accelerate economic and social development through the allocation of one million dollars or its cedi equivalent to each constituency for special projects. Projects are prioritised through stakeholders engagement and needs assessment to reflect the needs and aspirations of beneficiary constituencies. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Dormaahemaa, Nana Odeneho Akosua Fima II Dormaahemaa, Nana Odeneho Akosua Fima II, has taken a swipe at her biological brother, Osagyefo Oseadeyo Agyemang Badu II, the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa traditional area in the Bono Region, over his comments about President Akufo-Addo. Osagyefo Oseadeyo Agyemang Badu II, in a recent interview without providing any evidence, called out President Akufo-Addo, for not completing projects started by former President John Mahama. The traditional ruler who is known to have a soft-spot for the former flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), in his media engagement said “John Mahama is not your enemy so why all this? One day you will leave office and will you be happy if your projects are abandoned” he asked in direct reference to President Akufo-Addo. According to the Dormaahene it was sad that people were “on the streets while buildings are rotting because the government says it is investigating finances of the Saglemi project”. However, in what appears to be a straight response to her brother, the Dormaahemaa, Nana Odeneho Akosua Fima II, says inhabitants of Dormaa who do not appreciate the significant contributions that President Akufo-Addo has made to improve living standards in the traditional area and beyond, are simply motivated by “witchcraft”. Addressing the people of Dormaa in her local language, (Twi), at a function, Nana Odeneho Akosua Fima II, said President Akufo-Addo deserves commendation for the social interventions his administration has made in Dormaa and not condemnation. “What Nana Addo has done for the people of Dormaa is worth commending. It is only persons operating under the influence of witchcraft who will not appreciate what he has done for the people of Dormaa,” the Dormaahemaa stated. “We [the people of Dormaa] are excited about what the Akufo-Addo administration has done for us. We have to be prepared to give honour to whom honour is due. Let’s not deny what is evidently true,” Nana Odeneho Akosua Fima II added. According to the Dormaahemaa, two important needs of the Dormaa Traditional Area, which are the main access road and the lack of electricity, have been addressed by the Akufo-Addo administration and same has improved the standard of living in Dormaa. She urged the people of Dormaa and her audience to pray continually for President Akufo-Addo and his government because he has “dealt favorably with the people of Dormaa.” Story by: Wilberforce Asare

The President of Burkina Faso, Roch Kaboré, has reportedly been detained by mutinying soldiers. Some troops in the West African nation have demanded the sacking of military chiefs and more resources to fight Islamist militants. Gunfire had been heard overnight near the presidential palace and at barracks in the capital, Ouagadougou. The government on Sunday denied suggestions of a military coup or that the president was under arrest. President Kaboré was detained at a military camp by mutinying soldiers, foreign media reports say. Video from the capital appears to show armoured vehicles - reportedly used by the presidency - peppered with bullet holes and abandoned in the street. Multiple cars apparently used by the presidency were found in the morning with bullet holes. BBC reporter Simon Gongo in Ouagadougou says the city is quiet again. Soldiers have, however, surrounded the state television headquarters and there has been no live programming on Monday. On Sunday, hundreds of people came out in support of the soldiers and some of them set fire to the ruling party's headquarters. A night-time curfew has since been imposed. The president's location is unknown, but AFP news agency quoted security sources as saying that he and other government ministers are at the Sangoule Lamizana barracks in the capital. There has been no communication from President Kaboré himself since Sunday night, when he posted to social media congratulating the national football team on their win in an Africa Cup of Nations match. Amid disruption to the internet, the situation in the capital is not clear, with no statement from either the military or the government. Credit: BBC News

Veteran Youssef Msakni scored to give previously unimpressive Tunisia a shock 1-0 triumph over 10-man Nigeria in Garoua on Sunday in an Africa Cup of Nations last-16 match. The north Africans now face Burkina Faso, who eliminated Gabon after a penalty shootout, in the quarter-finals of the flagship African tournament next Saturday. Nigeria had a good chance to level at the start of added time when substitute Umar Sadiq got behind the defence and fired across goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said only to see his shot trickle wide of the far post. Msakni struck on 47 minutes and Nigerian hopes of levelling were dealt a major blow midway through the second half when Alex Iwobi was red-carded. Nigeria started as favourites to reach the quarter-finals having won all three group matches in the northwestern city, with record seven-time champions Egypt among their victims. Tunisia, making a record 15th consecutive Cup of Nations appearance from 1994, fell to Mali and minnows Gambia in the first round and squeezed into the knockout phase among the four best third-placed teams. While Nigeria were able to choose 12 substitutes, Tunisia could manage only eight due to a coronavirus outbreak in the camp. Also missing due to Covid-19 was Tunisia coach Mondher Kebaier, who was isolating in coastal city Limbe at the other end of the central African country. Tournament of Surprises Tunisia’s forward Youssef Msakni (C) celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 round of 16 football match between Nigeria and Tunisia at Stade Roumde Adjia in Garoua on January 23, 2022. Apart from being the more impressive in the group phase, the Nigerian Super Eagles also boasted an unbeaten record in five previous meetings with the Carthage Eagles, winning three and drawing two. A lacklustre opening half produced only one shot on target, from Tunisia, as Nigeria were unable to recapture the first-round form that made them the only team among the 24 to boast a 100 percent record. In a tournament full of surprises, another one arrived just after half-time when Qatar-based Msakni put the one-time Cup of Nations champions ahead. Msakni, playing in his seventh Cup of Nations tournament, dribbled across the edge of the box before unleashing a curling shot that entered the net off the left arm of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. As Nigeria battled to break down a well-organised Tunisian defence, they suffered another blow midway through the second half when Iwobi had a yellow card changed to red after a VAR check. Tunisia’s players celebrate after winning the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 round of 16 football match between Nigeria and Tunisia at Stade Roumde Adjia in Garoua on January 23, 2022. Iwobi, an Everton winger and one of many Premier League players in Cameroon, had just come off the bench when he stamped on the ankle of Msakni. Another substitute, Naim Sliti, almost doubled the Tunisian lead with 15 minutes remaining when he fired a shot toward the corner of the net only to be thwarted by a superb two-hand save from Okoye. Nigeria had a chance to level as time ticked away, but Moses Simon sent a free-kick from just outside the box over the crossbar. Credit: AFP

A policewoman, Constable Regina Angenu of the Paga Police Station, has been shot dead by some unknown assailants at Bawku in the Upper East Region. The Police in a statement indicated that “at about 5:00 pm on Sunday, January 23, 2022, the deceased, PW/Constable Regina Angenu of Paga Police Station paid a visit to Const. Erasmus Enkson of Bawku Division MTTU.” On their way to Constable Enkson’s barracks, they were attacked by unknown assailants, and the policewoman was shot in the groin. She died at the Presbyterian Mission Hospital while undergoing treatment. Meanwhile, the body has been sent to Tthe Bolgatanga Regional Hospital for preservation and autopsy. Story by: Edna Agnes Boakye