Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Nobel Peace prize laureate who helped end apartheid in South Africa, has died aged 90. President Cyril Ramaphosa said the churchman’s death marked “another chapter of bereavement in our nation’s farewell to a generation of outstanding South Africans”. He said Archbishop Tutu had helped bequeath “a liberated South Africa”. Tutu was one of the country’s best known figures at home and abroad. A contemporary of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, he was was one of the driving forces behind the movement to end the policy of racial segregation and discrimination enforced by the white minority government against the black majority in South Africa from 1948 until 1991. He was awarded the Nobel prize in 1984 for his role in the struggle to abolish the apartheid system. Tutu’s death comes just weeks after that of South Africa’s last apartheid-era president, FW de Clerk, who died at the age of 85. President Ramaphosa said Tutu was “an iconic spiritual leader, anti-apartheid activist and global human rights campaigner”. He described him as “a patriot without equal; a leader of principle and pragmatism who gave meaning to the biblical insight that faith without works is dead. “A man of extraordinary intellect, integrity and invincibility against the forces of apartheid, he was also tender and vulnerable in his compassion for those who had suffered oppression, injustice and violence under apartheid, and oppressed and downtrodden people around the world.” Credit: Asaase Radio

Hearts of Oak were tagged as favourites going into this game after their impressive run in their two previous league game. Hearts Of Oak as they were consigned to a 2-2 draw at the Theater of Dreams Park in Dawu. It was the away side Hearts who were quick of the blocks in the initial stages of the game forcing Dreams goalie Godfred Amoah into two smart saves. The home side took a bit longer to settle into the game as Gladson Awako was very dominate for the away side in the middle of the pitch. Salifu Ibrahim corner nearly gave Hearts of oak a goal but referee caught Gladson Awako offside. 30th minute goal by Daniel Afiriyie Barnie gave Hearts the lead but Hearts didn’t enjoy Barnie as Ibrahim Issah equalized Barnie’s goal in the last minutes of the first half. Hearts came out better in the second half making a good change but to no avail. As Ishmael Dede restored parity for the away side after a mix up that resulted to a goal for Dreams FC. Late in the game Salim Adams denied “Believers” a win at Theatre of Dream. The match ended 2-2. Credit: KickOff233

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo delivered his Christmas message to Ghanaians on Friday, December 24, 2021. The President among other things urged Ghanaians to adhere strictly to all the covid-19 protocols during the Christmas festivities. He also asked unvaccinated Ghanaians to get vaccinated, saying it is the surest way to contain the virus. Read Prez Akufo-Addo's full message below; The season of Christmas is upon us again, signaling the end of yet another year. On behalf of the First Lady, my wife Rebecca, my daughters, my grandchildren and my entire family, and on behalf of Government, I send best wishes to all Christians in Ghana, and, indeed, around the world, for a Merry Christmas, and best wishes for a Happy New Year to all Ghanaians and citizens of the world. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and as we give and receive His Goodwill in this Holy Season, I urge all of us to bear in mind the true meaning of His life on Earth. He was born to reconcile man to God, and, in so doing, demanded that we love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind… and love our neighbours as our ourselves. The cardinal principles of Christianity – charity, faith, humility, love and reconciliation – should guide us in this festive season and beyond. Fellow Ghanaians, I know these are difficult times for us. Undoubtedly, 2021 has proven to be a tough year not only for us, but also for everyone on the planet. COVID-19 has affected every sector of the global economy and our national life; nothing, in its path, has been spared its ravages. Our economy, which was growing at an average of 7% in 2017, in 2018 and in 2019, grew by 0.4% in 2020, because growth in industry, services, tourism and manufacturing sectors, which drive the economy and provide jobs for many Ghanaians, contracted dramatically in 2020, as a result of the sudden disruption in the global supply chain and the steep decline in the global economy, which sent the global economy into recession. This is the stark reality of the situation, not an excuse. Indeed, but for the bold and timely measures put in place by Government to cushion Ghanaians against the worst effects of the pandemic, our situation would have been more precarious. For the purposes of propaganda and narrow partisan and parochial interests, some would have you believe that the difficulties we are facing are purely Ghanaian phenomena, made by the NPP government under my leadership. Pay no heed to such persons. They know the truth, but cannot speak it. The significant fact for me is my determination to pull us out of this situation. Government has designed a solid programme for the recovery and revitilisation of the economy, which is the one hundred-billion-cedi Ghana CARES ‘Obaatampa’ Programme. We have completed the implementation of the Stabilisation Phase in 2021, which saw the economy grow at 6.6% in the 3rd quarter of 2021, with a projected overall growth of 4.4% for 2021. 2022 and 2023 will be the years of Recovery and Revitilisation and faster economic growth. Already, there are clear signs that the economy is bouncing back strongly, just as there are welcome indications that the global economy is also recovering. The work undertaken by my government, over the last five (5) years, in education, healthcare delivery, agricultural and industrial transformation, infrastructural enhancement, especially in the road sector, the empowerment of the security services, and the development of the digital economy, amongst others, is evident. I appeal to you to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with my government in these trying times. You have stood with me most of my adult life; you gave me a resounding victory in 2016, and you returned me to office again, with the help of God, with another decisive victory in 2020, because I fulfilled, largely, the commitments I made to you in 2016. United in our democracy, we will emerge from this difficult patch stronger and even more resilient. Let us not see the economic difficulties of today as the blueprint for tomorrow. I am a firm, passionate believer in our national potential. We have it in us to rise up and revive our fortunes. There are brighter days ahead for Mother Ghana. As Christmas fills our hearts with gratitude, let us not forget that COVID-19 is still very much in our midst. The number of active cases is currently on the rise. So, let us act and live responsibly, let us continue to adhere to the protocols of social distancing, enhanced hygiene and mask wearing. We have, for nearly two (2) years, been wearing masks, avoiding shaking hands and using sanitizers, which have been uncomfortable experiences for us all, even though they have helped keep us safe. The science tells us that getting vaccinated is the most effective way to defeat the virus and go back to our normal way of life, re-open fully our economy, and return our nation onto the path of progress and prosperity. Government has succeeded in securing considerable quantities of vaccines for the country, numbering nearly twenty-three million (23 million) doses so far. So, I entreat all those who have not been vaccinated to do so. Our responsibility to one another requires that we be vaccinated. Let us all celebrate the season safely and responsibly, and maintain the peace of the nation. It is my fervent hope that this Christmas will be celebrated without any road accidents. Drivers must minimize their speed, take due precaution for other road users, drive without the influence of alcohol, and wear their seat belts, as must all passengers. And please, in the name of Christian charity, remember to help those who are less fortunate in this festive season. Me ma mo nyinaa afeyhia pa !! Min ha nyɛ fɛɛ afi oo afi, afi eya ni eba nina wͻ. May God bless us all, and our homeland Ghana, and make her great and strong. Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Credit: Pulse Ghana

The Assisting Parish Priest at the St. Andrew Anglican Church, Abossey Okai, Rev'd Fr. Emmanuel Obed Quao has challenged parishioners to emulate the exemplary life of Joseph, the father of baby Jesus. According to him, Joseph in the bible was an honest man thus the need for parishioners to take a cue from his life. Delivering a sermon during a Christmas Eve/Carol Service at tge Pro Cathedral, he said "Joseph was an honest man. He had no malice in him. He was sincere to the core" "He did not want to humiliate his wife publicly. According to scriptures, although Mary's situation did not make sense to him at that instance, he remained calm and sought the face of the Lord" Rev'd Fr. Emmanuel Obed Quao ceased the opportunity to appeal to the youth to refrain from broadcasting every information about themselves on social media. "I can imagine if any of us were to be in Joseph's shoes, we would have done or said things which were not necessary. We would have posted things on Facebook and also on our statuses. We must refrain from that" He further described Joseph as obedient adding that he never doubted or challenged the power of God. "The first character of Joseph, we can find is obedience: After Joseph received the revelation, he obeyed the will of God to the latter. The word of God came to him. Joseph was obedient to the core. He pleaded with parishioners to cultivate the habit of self control to avoid being hit with unnecessary problems. "Joseph was able to control himself. He and Mary did not consummate. Many of us cannot wait because we lack the spirit of self control" The Carol Service saw some members from the various guilds taking turns to read the scriptures. The mass was climaxed with stunning performances from the Melodies singing group and the church choir. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Delese Mimi Darko has challenged the leadership and staff of the organisation to do more in 2022 than they did this year. According to her, although the Authority was able to achieve its target in 2021, she believes, with more efforts, 2022 will be conquered with ease. Speaking at a Carol service and Staff Awards 2021 held at FDA's new office in Tema, Mrs. Darko said "I am grateful to be your CEO and I must commend all because we were able to achieve our target but that is not enough. We have to do more in 2022 than we did this year" The CEO further revealed that although 2021 was a challenging year, she is happy, her staff defied all odds and made things possible. Mrs. Darko also ceased the opportunity to thank President Akufo-Addo for believing in the FDA during the wake of the Covid-19. She revealed that FDA's hardwork has not only gained the admiration of many but applause from the International community. "For us in the country today, indeed, our professionalism and commitment to duty has gained the adoration of many including His Excellency, the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo" "To commended us for our efforts in several of his addresses to the nation is update number 26 entitled, measures taken to combat the spread of COVID-19. The President intimated that all vaccines to be used in the country have been certified as safe to use by the Food and Drugs authority. That is, therefore not be any hesitancy among the public on the safety, quality and efficacy of these drugs" "Secondly, secondly of matching programmes the progressive licencing team pls as we know it, so far registered almost 1700 food and cosmetic products and licence almost 1100 facilities, majority of which are owned by young entrepreneurs, or are women like businesses" Mrs. Darko added that in the short medium term, FDA will look forward to establishing a strong support system that will enable local industry to produce quality products. She stressed that her outfit will work and support them to take advantage of the tariff free intra African trade opportunity that the African continental Free Trade Area offers. She described the leadership and staff as a dynamic team who have worked tirelessly to make President Akufo-Addo's vision of industrialising Ghana a reality. On the other hand, deserving staff both in Greater Accra and other regions were rewarded for individual brilliance. Other departments were also acknowledged. Some award winners thanked the CEO and promised to do more than they did in 2021. The event was also graced with a splendid performance from the FDA choir. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has blamed the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin for all the commotion that characterised the debate on the 2022 Budget. According to him, the chaos began on November 17 when the Budget statement and Economic policy was presented. The Suame MP said prior to the Finance Minister’s presentation; the Speaker threatened Ken Ofori-Atta that he should either allocate ¢1.72 billion of the projected revenue to Parliament or have the Budget thrown out. This, he said, resulted in the delay in the Budget presentation. Speaking to the press on Thursday, the Suame MP stated, “we are where we are because in my view of the genesis of the presentation of this Budget, the day when this Budget came to be presented, we were in the chamber, and we all saw that after the Finance Minister had walked in, we had to be at the Speaker’s office for close to 1 hour. We were not coming out. “Why weren’t we coming out? We were not coming out because we had a Speaker who told the Finance Minister that because he had not given Parliament an amount of ¢1.72 billion, that he the Speaker has requested the Finance Minister to give to Parliament, he the Speaker was going to ensure that the Budget was rejected. That is what happened that day.” He added that “He [the Speaker] threatened him [Finance Minister] that his Budget was going to be rejected by Parliament and even said to him that he doesn’t want to remind him of what his father did to President Hilla Limann. That was the Speaker. “So all that is playing out it goes to satisfy what the Speaker indicated at the very beginning of the presentation of the Budget that he’d make sure this Budget was rejected. Is that the case? The people of this country ought to know the mindset of this Speaker with respect to this Budget.” Subsequently, the 2022 Budget was rejected by a Minority-only House after the Majority Group walked out. The Majority explained that they decided to protest the presence of the NDC Secretary General, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, in Parliament’s gallery. The Minority Group in Parliament contended that they rejected the Budget because if it is approved, it will deepen the hardship of Ghanaians. After a head-count which saw all Minority MPs on their feet in opposition to a motion for the Finance Minister to have a further engagement with the leadership of Parliament, the Speaker ruled that the Budget had been rejected. Credit: Myjoyonline.com

The Women’s Ministry of the Pentecost International Worship Centre (PIWC) Sakumono have visited and donated some items and cash to orphans at the New Life Orphanage Home behind the Junction Mall, Nungua in Accra. The visit which took place on Saturday, December 18 sought to put smiles and joy on the faces of the young ones during this year’s Christmas celebrations. Items worth about Twelve thousand Ghana cedis (GHS 12,000.00) and a cash donation of GHC 2,000 were donated to the home. Some of the items donated included bags of rice, breakfast cereals, buckets, assorted drinks, biscuits, bottled water, cooking oil, clothes, and shoes. The rest were Toilet roll, sanitary pads, baby diapers among other. The Ministry also fellowshipped with children and encouraged them to live for the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In an exhortation, the Resident Minister for PIWC -Sakumono, Mrs. Eunice Owusu Sekyere Kwarteng who quoted 2 Timothy 3:15 and Luke 2:52, tasked the children to read their Bibles and pray every day as well as strengthen themselves in the word of God. “The mother of all mothers who caters for children is the Lord Jesus Christ. Society may forget about you but our Lord Jesus will remember you hence take the word of God seriously and grow in it.” she said. She prayed the favour of God upon them, and an excellent spirit for the kids to learn and be obedient to the mothers of the home. Presenting the items on behalf of the Ministry, the Women’s Ministry Leader for PIWC Sakumono, Deaconess Isabella Orhin said the Ministry was touched by the plight of the children and wanted them to have a great Christmas. “As Christians we strongly believe children are a gift from God and must have the right to live irrespective of the circumstances surrounding their gestation and birth,” she said. Receiving the items on behalf of the home, Nii Afotey Botwe II, the head of the home, thanked the Women’s Ministry of PIWC for their kind gesture. He called on other churches to support them as support to the home has dwindled considerably during the era of the pandemic. Nii Afortey hinted that the orphanage home houses ninety-two (92) kids with teenagers as well as toddlers. Below are some pictures: Story by: Yaa Asantewaah Adu Boahene

Some scores of Ghanaian travellers have been left stranded at the Kotoka International Airport for more than 6 hours over lack of isolation centres. According to the stranded passengers, there was no communication from either the Airport or Ghana Health Service Authorities. It is emerging that these stranded passengers who returned into the country from the USA, UK, Europe and other part of the world had no place arranged for them for isolation after they were alleged to have tested positive for COVID-19 by the GHS. With no hope and place to turn to, these passengers have been left to their faith. Watch the videos below: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The office of Parliament says it has noted with grave concern, erroneous reports in a section of the media that Members of the Parliamentary Service Board met in Dubai during the period that the Rt. Hon. Speaker was receiving treatment in that country, at his instance. According to the office, it would like to state categorically that at no time were the Board Members in Dubai for a board meeting, despite the fact that the group was in Dubai at some point in time. In a communique signed by the Public Affairs Directorate of Parliament it said "The purpose of the Board Members being in Dubai was to attend a capacity building workshop, organized by the UK based training Institute, Crown Agents. It must be noted that Crown Agents organises such training workshops for Parliamentary Commissions, Boards, and Public Institutions in Africa and other countries" It is also instructive to note that Crown Agents has training programmes on different dates and participants are at liberty to choose appropriate times for attendance, which is what the Board Members did in the instant matter. The communique further noted that that this year, the Board Members were to attend the capacity building workshop in April, ahead of the Speaker's scheduled medical appointment. The workshop, however, had to be postponed to a date that was more suitable for all the Board Members. "Parliament would like to state categorically that the presence of the Board Members at that material time in Dubai had absolutely nothing to do with the Speaker's scheduled medical appointment in that country. Parliament therefore urges all to ignore reports suggesting that the Board Members were in Dubai at the instance of the Speaker" The Speaker and entire Membership of Parliament says it is fully aware of the times in which the country finds itself and would not do anything that is not in the best interest of the citizenry. "Indeed, the Office would like to assure all citizens that their interest is of utmost importance and this is what that drives the Institution" Below is a copy of the release: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The office of Parliament says it has noted with grave concern, erroneous reports in a section of the media that Members of the Parliamentary Service Board met in Dubai during the period that the Rt. Hon. Speaker was receiving treatment in that country, at his instance. According to the office, it would like to state categorically that at no time were the Board Members in Dubai for a board meeting, despite the fact that the group was in Dubai at some point in time. In a communique signed by the Public Affairs Directorate of Parliament it said "The purpose of the Board Members being in Dubai was to attend a capacity building workshop, organized by the UK based training Institute, Crown Agents. It must be noted that Crown Agents organises such training workshops for Parliamentary Commissions, Boards, and Public Institutions in Africa and other countries" It is also instructive to note that Crown Agents has training programmes on different dates and participants are at liberty to choose appropriate times for attendance, which is what the Board Members did in the instant matter. The communique further noted that that this year, the Board Members were to attend the capacity building workshop in April, ahead of the Speaker's scheduled medical appointment. The workshop, however, had to be postponed to a date that was more suitable for all the Board Members. "Parliament would like to state categorically that the presence of the Board Members at that material time in Dubai had absolutely nothing to do with the Speaker's scheduled medical appointment in that country. Parliament therefore urges all to ignore reports suggesting that the Board Members were in Dubai at the instance of the Speaker" The Speaker and entire Membership of Parliament says it is fully aware of the times in which the country finds itself and would not do anything that is not in the best interest of the citizenry. "Indeed, the Office would like to assure all citizens that their interest is of utmost importance and this is what that drives the Institution" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Vice President of the Republic, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says in conjunction with the Bank of Ghana, government is going to start a deliberate gold purchase programme which will target purchasing gold from the Small Scale Mining sector. He stated that after series of deliberations, the Bank of Ghana has been persuaded to start this programme which is going to be the first of it's kind in history, adding that the programme when started, will be a boost for the Small Scale Mining sector as purchases made will build the country's gold reserves. He made this known at the maiden edition of the Responsible Small Scale Mining Awards held at Alisa Hotel on Wednesday 22nd December, 2021. The Vice president described the Mining award ceremony as a historic occasion which he is very proud to be a part of. He opined that he sees the award to be something peculiar because  "all too often, our problem solving turns to focus more on chasing and punishing wrong doers and not recognising and rewarding those who do right and this is what makes this award different". " The award recognises players in small Scale Mining sector who despite the temptation to join the wrong doing bandwagon, have decided to stay within the relevant regulatory framework for the country and to operate responsibly." He explained. He further stated a number of ways that Ghana has benefited from Small Scale Mining over the years, touting that he believes Small Scale Mining has contributed immensely to Ghana becoming the leading Gold producer in Africa. " As we all know, Ghana's Gold production has increased significantly over the past few decades making it the leading Gold producer in Africa. The contribution of Small Scale Mining to this trend is commendable. Currently, it is estimated that the Small Scale Mining contributes about 35% to Ghana's total Gold production and 35% is huge." Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia however cautioned that regardless of the many advantages of Small Scale Mining, if the act is not done responsibly, it can and will damage the environment. He, therefore called on the Miners to Mine responsibly to help save the environment and the country's natural resources. The Vice President commended highly the efforts of the Minister, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor and his two Deputy Ministers for their leadership of the natural resources sector. He added that the Minister has since his assumption of office brought a renewed approach to the process of ending galamsey through diverse initiatives. He sighted an example  of how the Minister made a passionate plea for the 3% withholding tax being paid by Gold producers to be slashed down to 1.5%. He went on to applaud the organisers of the programme for working tirelessly to achieve such a great feet for the mining sector and for Ghana. He also employed the opportunity to congratulate the winners of the various categories of Awards, saying that the award should be a motivator to other Miners to do better at their jobs and also keep the environment safe while at it. The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor in his welcome address, expressed his profound gratitude to the Vice President of the Republic and to the Chief of Staff for taking time off their very busy schedule to honour his invitation and for all the support. He also sent out his appreciation to leadership and members of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) for partnering with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, to institute this all-important award scheme and for their tremendous support of Government’s quest to sanitise the small-scale mining industry. The Minister also disclosed that in the coming year, the Ministry, will continue to pursue measures that are necessary to restore sanity into the small-scale mining industry. In furtherance of this, he said they have already engaged ADB Bank to establish a Minerals Development Unit at the Bank, which is to provide financial support to small scale miners. Adding that the initiative, is expected to roll out early next year. The Minister intimated that as Community Mining Scheme remains one of the surest ways of tackling illegal mining, they will continue to promote the Community Mining Scheme to serve as a model for all small-scale mining operations. Hon. Jinapor gave the assurance that the Ministry will ramp up their regulatory efforts and continue to partner with the leadership of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners to weed out recalcitrant, illegal miners out of the industry, whilst encouraging and supporting genuine legal miners who have regard for our national environment. "We will never relent on this effort, and, God willing, and with your support, we shall realise the vision of President Akufo-Addo by constructing, here in Ghana, a viable, sustainable, orderly and environmentally-sound small scale mining industry. Together we can, and let us get this done" He concluded. Mr. Godwin Armah, General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) added his words congratulations to the awardees saying " Your victory is a symbol of the true reflection of our work and telling the whole world that Ghana is on course to revitalise the Small Scale Mining sector" He thanked the organisers of the programme and  advised  miners that acquiring mining licences for their operations alone will not keep them in the industry but rather compliance to the legal framework is what will sustain their businesses in the future. Also in attendance at this colourful event was the Hon. Chief of Staff, Madam Akosua Osei-Opare,  captains and players in the  mining sector, parliamentarians and  among others. Below are some pictures: Story by: News Desk Report

Daakye Mining Enterprise, a mining company located at Wassa Gyapa, Amenfi East District in the Western Region of Ghana has been adjudged the Overall Best Small Scale Mining company at the maiden edition of the Responsible Small Scale Mining Awards, held at the Alisa Hotel on Wednesday 22nd December, 2021. The Enterprise was adjudged Overall Best Miner on the basis of the company managing a mining site with valid Mining and environmental licence and digging permit. In addition to this, the Enterprise was said to have a well coordinated working system with good records keeping, an emergency assembly point, first aid kits and other relevant requirements which makes the company outstanding and worthy of the prize awarded them. Daakye Mining Enterprise took home a plaque, a mining equipment known as a gold catcher, worth USD 125,000 and a sponsored trip to a mining conference. This award was presented by the Vice President of the Republic, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Aside the Overall Best Small Scale Miner, the event presented other three categories including the Most Promising Small Scale Miner, Best District Officer and a special award from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. The Most Promising Small Scale Miner award which was presented by the Hon. Chief of Staff, Hon. Akosua Osei-Opare, was given to Mr. Bright Kwabena Obeng of Beloved Mining Enterprise, Assin Fosu Mining District. Mr. Obeng also took with him a plague and a sponsored trip to a mining conference. The next award was presented by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor to Mr. Clemence Adzormahe as the Best District Officer, noted for his regular visit to sites and  hardwork. The last of the four awards for the night was the Special Award, presented to Omanhene Kwabena Asante of Adom TV for his consistent efforts towards sanitizing the sector. He received a cash price of Ghs10,000 and a citation from Hon. George Mireku Duker who did the presentation. As part of efforts to encourage and promote Responsible Small-Scale Mining in the country, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources instituted the Responsible Small Scale Mining Awards Scheme. The Awards Scheme is going to be an annual event aimed at acknowledging and rewarding Small Scale Miners who have complied with regulatory and operational requirements including adhering to health, safety, environmental and other operating standards of mining. Below are some pictures: Story by: News Desk Report