Adaklu Lawmaker, Kwame Governs Agbodza has condemned the Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) over the procurement and the cost of the Christmas trees that were mounted at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) last year. Mr Agbodza who is a member of the Transport Committee of Parliament said it is not the duty of boards to make procurements. Rather, he said, it is the function of management. On Friday January 7, following the criticisms against the cost of the Christmas trees mounted at the KIA, Mr Adom Otchere said in a statement that the GACL had for many years mounted Christmas inspirations around the terminal area to create a festive atmosphere for passengers and their families coming into the country. The total expenditure of 2021 was the lowest since 2016 he said. “Dear folks, my attention has been drawn to a social media post grossly misrepresenting facts about Christmas inspirations that were mounted at the Kotoko International Airport. “FACT: The Ghana Airports Company Limited has for many years mounted Christmas inspirations around the terminal area to create a festive atmosphere for passengers and their families coming into the country. “FACT: The total expenditure of 2021 is the lowest since 2016. “FACT: Two separate suppliers were invited to submit bids. The bids were discussed and discounts obtained. ( We are grateful to Jandel Limited and Favors and Arts) “FACT: The beautiful Christmas tree standing at Terminal 3 and 3 others altogether cost GHC 34,000, which was graciously provided by Jandel Limited at a heavy discount. (We thank Jandel Limited) “FACT: The other inspirations were provided by Favors and Arts for a total cost of GHC 84,000 out of which GHC 50,000 was obtained via sponsorship. “FACT: All salaries and or bonuses due staff for December have been paid.” He added “It is ridiculous for anyone to say that the invoices from these two reputable companies were issued in the name of the Board Chairman, that just means the author of such spurious allegations has insufficient acquaintance with corporate workings. “We will like to urge the general public to disregard these unfounded allegations. The GACL has a fully operational corporate affairs department that is able to attend to all public enquiries. “We will like to assure the general public that we are fiercely committed to support the Hon Minister of Transport to achieve President Akufo-Addo’s vision for the airport, the vision contained in clear directions is to ‘make all Ghana airports an important symbol for our national development agenda’. That is our focus for which we require prayers and support . Amen” Reacting to this in a statement forwarded to 3news.com, Mr Agbodza said “Ghana Airport Company lost ghs1.4million in a week due to Emirates flight ban. At the same time , the Board Chairman is admitting to have spent GHS 84,000 on Christmas Trees and other decorations. “Boards don’t do Procurements, it’s a function of management. The Board chair also said they invited quotations from 2 suppliers. That process is alien to the Public Procurement Act .. He got it totally wrong… Boards should not be doing direct procurements.” “Boards are not procurement entities. Who invited the so-called companies who supplied the item? Where is the letter inviting them? Who signed it? How come the invoice was made attention to Paul Adom Okyere? Has he taken over the day to day management of the Company which is seriously struggling?” He further quizzed. Story by: Laud Nartey

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has interdicted 11 officials due to their alleged role in examination malpractices during the 2020 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). This was contained in a statement issued by the GES. “Management directs that the appointment of the officers be terminated from the GES in line with Section 3, 32 (III) of the Code of Conduct for staff of Ghana Education Service (GES). In view of that, Management directs that the appointment of the officers be terminated from the GES in line with Section 4.3 (IV) as contained in the code of conduct for staff of GES. “Since the termination of appointment requires the endorsement of the Ghana Education Service Council, the officers should be interdicted forthwith pending the final determination of the matter by the GES Council which will be communicated to you in due course,” portions of the statement said. Source: 3news.com

The Former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party, NPP, died at the Tema General Hospital today, Friday, January 7, 2022, after a short illness. According to party sources who confirmed to www.senaradioonline.com, Mr. Ashitey, aged 68, returned from the United States a week ago after seeking medical treatment for an unknown illness. There were reports Mr. Ashitey was considering contesting for the National Chairmanship position of the NPP when the party elects National Officers later this year. About Him Mr. Ashitey was born on the 20th of November, 1954 at Tema in the Greater Region. He had his primary and middle school education at the Manhean Middle Mixed School in Tema. After successfully completing his studies for the middle school leaving certificate, he went to Kpando Technical Institute in the Volta Region and then to the Accra Polytechnic for a course in mechanical engineering. In his quest for further knowledge, He entered the the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology where he obtained a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. He holds an Executive Masters in Governance and Leadership from GIMPA. Hon. Ishmael Ashitey, as a Mechanical Engineer, has worked in many organizations in and outside the country. Notable amongst them are Tema Steel Works, Accra Brewery Limited in Ghana, Tecnofin Nederlands and General Establishment for Plastics & Industries all in Libya. Political Career Since joining the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in 1992, Hon. Ashitey has through hard work, commitment and dedication risen through the rank and file of the party. He has served as a Member of Parliament for Tema East on three consecutive occasions from 1996 to 2008. In Parliament, he served on the Mines and Energy, Foreign Affairs, Government’s Assurances and the House committees, among others. Hon. Ashitey served as a Minister of State at the Ministries of Food and Agriculture and Trade, Industry & President’s Special Initiatives under the leadership and government of H.E John Agyekum Kuffour. During the 2016 elections, Hon. Ashitey as the Regional chairman of NPP led his party to retain and regain most of the Parliamentary seats in Greater Accra which eventually helped the party to attain victory. Until his demise, he was a Member of (NEC) NPP and a member of the NPP National Council. Hon. Ishmael Ashitey is a Presbyterian and enjoys reading, swimming, walking and listening to good music. He was married with four children. Credit: Senaradioonline.com

A white father and son convicted of killing a black jogger have been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. In November, a jury found Travis and Gregory McMichael and their neighbour, William Bryan, guilty of murdering Ahmaud Arbery in February 2020. Bryan also received the maximum penalty of life, but was offered the possibility of parole in 30 years. The case has raised questions about racial justice in the US South. Ahead of his verdict, the Arbery family called for the harshest possible punishments for the three men as a means of bringing “closure to a difficult chapter” in their lives. Arbery, 25, a resident of Brunswick, Georgia, was out jogging in an adjacent, predominantly white neighbourhood when the trio chased and cornered him in pick-up trucks before the younger McMichael shot him during a struggle. The defendants argued they acted in self-defence while attempting to make a citizen’s arrest of a suspected burglar, but prosecutors argued race was a factor. Gregory McMichael, 66, his son Travis, 35, and Bryan, 52, were found guilty of murder, aggravated assault, false imprisonment and criminal intent to commit a felony. What did the judge say? “Taking the law into your own hands is a dangerous endeavour,” Judge Timothy Walmsley said on Friday. “A neighbour is more than the people who just own property around your house,” continued the judge. “In assuming the worst in others, we show our worst character.” Holding a minute of silence to put in context “a fraction of the time Ahmaud Arbery was running in Satilla Shores”, Walmsley said he “kept coming back to the terror that must have been in [Arbery’s] mind” “Remorse isn’t simply a statement of regret. Remorse is something that’s felt and demonstrated,” he said. “After Ahmaud Arbery fell, the McMichaels turned their backs.” But he ruled that while Bryan – who filmed the incident – had participated in the ambush, he should have an opportunity for parole because he “demonstrated grave concerns that what had occurred should not have occurred” soon after. What happened at the hearing? Members of the Arbery family delivered powerful victim impact statements as they called for the three men to be “fully committed for the consequences” of their actions. Through tears, Wanda Cooper Jones – who sat in the courtroom throughout the trial – spoke directly to her late son. “This verdict doesn’t bring you back, but it does help bring closure to this very difficult chapter of my life,” she said. “I made a promise to you the day I laid you to rest: I told you I love you and someday, somehow, I would get you justice.” Jasmine Arbery recalled her younger brother’s love of the outdoors, his athletic build and “dark skin that glistened in the sunlight like gold”. “These are the qualities that made these men assume Ahmaud was a dangerous criminal and chase him with guns drawn,” she said. “To me those qualities reflected a young man with life and energy who looked like me and the people I love.” Arbery’s father Marcus lamented how he would never spend another day with a child who changed his life. Defence attorneys had argued for some leniency, with attorney Kevin Gough arguing Bryan should have an opportunity for parole because he “did not kill, did not attempt to kill and did not intend to kill” Arbery. Bob Rubin and Laura Hogue, counsel to the McMichaels, said their clients were good men devoted to family, community and country who committed “one bad act”. “As thoughtless or reckless as these actions may have been, they are not evidence of a soul so blackened as to deserve life with no parole,” said Mr Rubin. But lead prosecutor Linda Dunikoski fiercely rebutted the claim: “Travis McMichael said this was the worst day of his life. Well how did that work out for Ahmaud Arbery?” What’s next? All three defence lawyers had earlier indicated they will appeal the verdicts. The defendants also face a federal hate crimes trial next month, alleging that they targeted Arbery because he was black. Arbery’s mother told US media on Friday she had rejected the offer of a plea deal that would see them spend 30 years in federal prison on top of the prison time handed down in state court. Ms Jones has also filed her own civil lawsuit against the men and against law enforcement officials who declined to arrest them. Source: BBC

Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah believes the friendly game against Algeria provided the Black Stars with a good test ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. The Black Stars on Wednesday lost 3-0 to the reigning African champions in Doha, Qatar as a result of a disappointing performance. The US-based central defender, unfortunately, scored an own goal in the only preparatory match for the Black Stars heading into Afcon in Cameroon. “We played against a good side and it was a good test for us. Individually, it was good for me because I didn’t do well so I know where I should do well next time,” Mensah told TV3 from Black Stars camp in Doha. “The team looks good. Even though we lost the game, it was a good lesson for us. Playing against the defending champions and they will always give you a good test. “So, we know what to do and, of course, the competition starts for us on the 10th of this month and we’re going to do our best to win the first game.” Mensah will appear at the Afcon for the seventh time in a row, and he is one of the more experienced players on a team dominated by a large number of newbies. Up to 17 players who make up Milovan Rajevac’s 28-man squad will experience Afcon for the first time. “We have gone to previous tournaments with young, experienced players. We had all the elements and then we couldn’t go as far as the final,” Mensah said. “It is always this way. Whenever we are going for a tournament, there’s always someone going for the first, second, or even fourth time, but when the tournament starts, you see how things go.” He added, “Regardless of people’s opinions, we just have to go there and perform well.” The West Africans will hope to hit the ground running when they take on Morocco on January 10 in Yaounde. Source: 3news.com

Twenty-four-year-old Justina Donkor, who bit off the penis of an alleged rapist at Abompey in the Obuasi Municipality, says the death of her assailant brings joy into her heart. She explained hearing the news of the man who raped her was a beginning to the end of the trauma she was plunged into since the incident happened November, 2020. Emmanuel Ackon, 24, got his penis bitten off when he allegedly robbed and raped Justina while she was asleep at Abompey, a suburb of Obuasi in November, 2020. Fast-forward to Monday, December 27, Emmanuel Ackon was hacked by some unknown assailants and died a few days after he was hospitalized. The Obuasi District Police Commander, DSP Martin Asenso, revealed the deceased was attacked after being involved in gambling. Speaking on Akoma FM‘s current affairs and political show GhanAkoma Wednesday, January 5, the deceased’s first victim Justina Donkor explained it has always been her fervent prayer for God to duly punish the guy who raped, robbed and subjected her to public ridicule, a situation, she lamented, nearly caused her to commit suicide. She told host of the show Aduanaba Kofi Asante Ennin that “since the incident happened, I have never had a complete sleep. I always wake at 2:00am but after I heard the demise of the rapist I’ve since experienced sound sleep. So for me, I believe God has heeded to my prayers.” She further explained that the incident really cost almost her life, derailed her education but with the help of Akoma FM which supported her with some donations from listeners, she’s ready to be enrolled in a nursing training college. Story by: Nana Asenso Mensah

Controversial preacher, Prophet Nigel Gaisie, says it has been revealed to him that a terrorist attack could disrupt the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The founder of the True Word Fire Prophetic Ministries said all the countries that will participate in the tournament must pray to avert such a disaster. The 2021 AFCON will be hosted in Cameroon and is scheduled to kick off on Sunday, January 9, 2022. Speaking during a 31st watch-night ceremony, Nigel Gaisie said the spirit revealed to him a terrorist attack in Cameroon. “This is an international prophecy. The Lord carried my spirit into a place like Cameroon concerning the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. I saw something like players standing on a stretcher and they were in pains as some of them were crying,” he said, as quoted by Ghanaweb. “Let the nation Cameroon pray and any other qualified team also do same because I’m seeing something like a terrorist attack and explosive attacks. “I’m seeing that something happened at the stadium and the whole place was in disorder and people died.” The controversial pastor is noted for making doom prophecies, with a section of Ghanaians criticising his modus operandi. AFCON rophy Last year, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare, cautioned pastors against making prophecies that disrupt the peace of the nation. This directive limited the number of doom prophecies in Ghana, but some pastors, including Nigel Gaisie, decided to take their prophecies international. Meanwhile, the Black Stars will begin their AFCON campaign on Monday when they take on Morocco in Group C. Credit: Pulse GH

It is all fun and merry making as thousands of Ghanaians have stormed the Achimota Retail Centre to jam to the Dope Concert 2022. According to some patrons, they are expecting nothing but the best of performances from the various Artists billed to perform on the night. Speaking to Thinknewsonline.com, Kweku Sweet said " I am waiting to see Black Sherif and Fameye perform. Their songs are epic" Amanda said "I came all the way from Abuom to jam to songs from Dope Nation. I am here to party hard" Despite the late start, Thinknewsonline.com can confirm that the atmosphere is charged for a memorable night. The event is being powered by Think Media Expert and is streaming live on Thinknewsonline.com. Below are some videos and pics: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana’s leading telecommunications company, MTN has taken the decision to rollout measures to decongest its Service Centres for the ongoing SIM re-registration exercise. The re-registration of SIM cards with the Ghana Card commenced in October 2021 and expected to continue to the end of March 2022. Ghanaians are asked to re-register their SIM card with the Ghana Card or have it become dormant after the end of the deadline. In the last few weeks, Service Centers of the various network providers have been flood with thousands of Ghanaians trooping in on daily basis to have their SIM cards re-registered. Amid the inconveniences, MTN Ghana has decided to deploy mobile teams into the communities across the country to help decongest its Service Centres. Addressing journalist through a virtual media briefing on Thursday, January 6, 2022, Mr. Abubakar Mohammed, General Manager, Regional Sales & Distribution Southern Ghana for MTN Ghana said, “Going forward, to decongest we will have almost 200 community activations happening across the country and at the same time we will have the mobile teams that will also be going to the institutions to support them with the reregistration exercise.” Mr. Abubakar Mohammed continued, “We also have in plan to increase our devices to support the activations. So all these put together we believe we will be able to decongest our service Centres and also help customers.” For customers to help MTN Ghana smoothen the process even more, Ghanaians who are yet to re-register their SIM cards are encouraged to finish with the first step of the process before visiting the service centres or any of the mobile activation points. Customers can do that by dialing *404# and following the prompt to link their numbers with the Ghana Card to generate the unique code needed to finalise the re-registration. Story by: Eric Nana Yaw Kwafo

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio has declared zero tolerance for illegal logging in the Ahafo Region, to among others, prevent the wanton destruction of the forest cover in the area. He said, although there is no mining taking place in the region's forest reserves, illegal logging and  lumbering  is prevalent and needs to be  halted immediately. Speaking to Staff of the Forestry Commission on Thursday, 6th January, 2022 in Goaso of the Ahafo Region, he asked them not to connive with  illegal operators in order to restore and enrich the forest cover. “We know that you know the chainsaw operators in the communities, please advise them,” he cautioned. The Deputy Minister also called on the staff of the Forestry Services Division(FSD), the Timber Industry Development Division (TIDD)  and the Wildlife Division to work together and  ensure that the auction of confiscated wood does not go back to those involved in the illegal act, stressing that " you can not benefit from your own illegalities.” He further charged them to put in place adequate measures to halt the practice. The Deputy Minister's visit is a  follow up on  the recent official tour of the Sector Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor to the Ahafo Region where he  addressed some concerns of the Chiefs in the area including the auctioning of confiscated wood. Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio used the occasion to inform staff of the 2022 Green Ghana Day Event and urged them to prepare for the national exercise whiles commending them for their tireless efforts last year in achieving their targets. The Deputy Lands and Natural Resources Minister also took  paid a courtesy call on the Ahafo Regional Minister, to among others seek his support and collaboration with the Forestry staff in the region and for the 2022 Green Ghana initiative. "There is urgent need for the Regional Forestry team to work with you as the Regional Minister and Head of Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to help reduce the rate of  deforestation and forest degradation in the  region". In his response, the Regional Minister, Hon. George Boakye commended the forestry staff for their collaboration so far and called for increased commitment to curb the menace. "This year, the  Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council will support the Forestry Commission in the region to fully  implement and achieve  its 2022 Green Ghana target of 1.2million seedlings, " he emphasised. In a remark, the CEO of the Forestry Commission, Mr. John Allotey underscored the importance of the Ahafo Region towards restoring the country’s forest cover and appealed to the Regional Minister to help combat and improve upon the Forestry situation in the region, adding that his outfit is mobilising early to provide funds and  support the various districts. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Police Service has arrested a long vehicle driver captured dangerously overtaking a truck on the Kwahu Fodoa road in the Eastern Region. The 31-year-old driver, Awal Mohammed, was brought to the attention of the police after a Facebook user made a post about his conduct. “The said driver was captured on video by a concerned citizen as he dangerously veered off his lane at a section of the road at Kwahu Foduah, and drove facing oncoming vehicles,” the police noted on Facebook. He has been charged with driving on the wrong side of the road, careless and inconsiderate driving, causing danger to other road users, and causing road obstruction. Such overtaking are known to cause a significant number of fatal road crashes on highways. Ghana already recorded over 2,000 road crash fatalities in 2021. “We wish to commend the good Samaritan for volunteering information leading to the arrest. We wish to further caution motorists to drive with due care and attention at all times to avoid road traffic crashes,” police said. Below are some pictures: Story by: Delali Adolgla-Bessa

Ghana’s build-up to the Africa Cup of Nations tournament suffered a setback by a 3-0 defeat to defending champions Algeria in an international friendly fixture on Wednesday. A first-half goal from Adam Ounas, a Jonathan Mensah own goal and an Islam Slimani effort ensured victory for the North Africans in the preparatory game at Education City Stadium in the Qatari capital of Doha. The game was a first test match for both sides ahead of the tournament which runs between January 9 to February 6 in Cameroon. Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac was without the influential duo of captain Andre Ayew and Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew for the midweek encounter, owing to the duo’s late arrival in camp. Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey led the team out and Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey started at right-back while KAS Eupen goalkeeper Nurudeen Abdul Manaf was handed his first senior international appearance. Algeria left star man Riyad Mahrez and West Ham United attacker Said Benrahma on the bench, with coach Djamel Belmadi putting trust in the likes of Yacine Brahimi, Ounas and striker Baghdad Bounedjah. It took only eight minutes for The Dessert Warriors to break the deadlock as Ounas cut back onto his left foot in taking on Gideon Mensah and beat goalkeeper Nurudeen with a near-post shot. Algeria continued to control the game but disappointingly failed to add any more goals for the rest of the half. After the break, Ghana raised their game and appeared to have taken dominance of the game but it was the North Africans who went 2-0 up in the 75th minute, when Jonathan Mensah, in an attempt to clear a cross, sent the ball into his own net. That was before St. Gallen goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi replaced Nurudeen in goal for the Black Stars. Eleven minutes to full-time, Algeria scored again when Ati-Zigi failed to grab a low cross first-time, Slimani capitalising on the mistake to slot home from close range for their third goal. Ghana are set to open their Afcon campaign with a clash with Morocco on Monday, a day before Dessert Warriors face Sierra Leone in their opening game. Source: Goal.com