President Akufo-Addo has stressed that the country’s land borders will remain closed until further notice. According to him, the continuous closure will ensure that country does not get infected with the 4th wave of the covid-19. Addressing the Nation on Wednesday President Akufo-Addo said "I believe this is not the right time to reopen our land borders, especially as we are determined to prevent the 4th wave, and, as such, they will remain closed until further notice" President Akufo-Addo also revealed that Ghana is currently monitoring how Covid-19 is sweeping away lives in other countries. He also added that Ghana is keeping an eagle eye on how citizens from neighbouring countries are responding to the vaccination. Nana Addo said "To my fellow Ghanaians living along the borders of our nation, I know of the difficulties occasioned by the closure of our borders.” “As you know, the decision to close our borders, which are a source of livelihoods for many, was necessary because we wanted to limit the importation of the virus into the country.” Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu has justified the government's intentions of introducing the 1.75% E-Levy tax as he says is the only way roads constructions could be done rigorously. According to him, the E-Levy is the easiest way for government could generate enough funds to help in the construction of dilapidated roads Ghanaians have been crying about in the country. The Minister who is also the MP for Suame Constituency was speaking at the Information Ministry's Meet the Press Series encounter to update Ghanaians on the work the ministry is doing. Mr Mensah Bonsu stressed that, the amount of money that the E-Levy will be generating is huge enough to also help the government to fully pay road contractors who have their monies stucked with government. He therefore called on all and sundry to support the government in its quest to raise money to support some developmental projects in Ghana thus the need to support the E-LEVY. Mr Mensah Bonsu added that, the government is doing all its possible best to ensure that, there is proper development in the country thus the introduction of the news E-Levy to make the promises of the government come to pass. Mr Mensah Bonsu expressed worry over the posture of the minority Members of Parliament over the E-Levy approval as he says the physical nature is a stone age politics as he says dialoguing is the best way for both parties of the house to go. He was quick to add that, the government is still engaging the minority members of parliament the need to approve it as he hopes the deliberations goes on successfully. In other development, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu has stated that, there have been suggestions over the need to review the National Media Commission (NMC) laws to allow them work effectively and be able to punish media houses and personnel. He noted that the powers of the commission is not stern enough to take drastic actions and also be able to punish members of the media and the media house thus the recommendations for the review of the laws. The Minister stressed that, this information came to light when the ministry engaged various stakeholders in the past on how best Parliament can address some issues. Mr. Mensah Bonsu added that, the NMC not being able to take punitive actions against media practitioners and media houses has breed the gateway for several misbehaviours and unwarranted attacks on personalities which he says the review of the laws is the best way to. Mr. Mensah Bonsu on the issues of monetization of politics says, upon deliberations with Political Parties on ways forward, they suggested the need for constitutional reviews and also review in the Political parties laws which he says will help curb the growing trend. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Amid fear of the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, Zoomlion Ghana Limited has undertaken a thorough disinfection operation all the airports across the country. The exercise, which was simultaneously carried out on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, covered the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) – Greater Accra, Kumasi Airport - Ashanti and Tamale Airport - Northern. The exercise forms part of an arrangement between the government and Zoomlion which sees the waste management company disinfect theses airports on a monthly basis to curb the spread of any Covid-19 tendencies and especially in the light of the new Omicron variant. Already Ghana has recorded some cases of the Omicron variant, all of which were detected at the KIA. At the KIA, facilities disinfected included the departure and arrival halls, VIP lounge, Airport Clinic, restrooms, and open spaces among others. Briefing the media on the sidelines of the exercise at the KIA, a Vector Control Officer at Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Mr King Jones Wonder, said the exercise was crucial in the country’s quest to curb the virus. "We're here today to disinfect this Kotoka International Airport, and we do this on a monthly basis… so it's time to disinfect this place,” he indicated. He added that the exercise was being done in the other airports across the country. "We're doing this to curb the spread of especially the new variant of the Covid-19 called Omicron because it spreads faster than the previous viruses," he stated. While pointing out that the national disinfection exercises against Covid-19 has helped a great deal, Mr Wonder reminded Ghanaians to continuously abide by the protocols. He also assuaged the fears of both Ghanaians and foreigners coming into the country, stressing that our airports were safe and also adequate measures have been put in place by the airport authorities to ensure that travelers are protected from the Omicron variant of the Covid-19.” "The airport is safe for all the arrivals so we're urging travelers to put away any fears, and enjoy their stay in Ghana during and after the Christmas and New Year festivities,” he assured. He further indicated that the chemical used for the exercise had no side effects and would not harm human beings. According to Mr Wonder, Covid was still in the country, hence cautioned Ghanaians against losing their guard. "I entreat each and every Ghanaian and to all those entering the country to continue wearing nose masks, observe social distancing, wash their hands and take other precautions against the virus," he urged. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Ghana's vice-captain, Thomas Partey is in line to be Arsenal’s next captain after forward Pierre Emerick-Aubamayeng was stripped off the captaincy in the afternoon of Tuesday. The Gabon international was stripped off the captain’s armband following his latest breach of the discipline at the London club. Arsenal in search of an alternative leader on the field. Manager Mikel Arteta, who views the midfielder Thomas Partey as a leader within the team, is the reason for his decision to drop Augbamayeng. “It is the right decision in the interests of the football, It was a personal conversation, face to face, and he had to accept the decision. We have the leadership group and the different players nominated to be captain, we will follow that, it is an unpleasant situation, and it is not the situation to take any rash decision,” said Arteta. The Gabon captain was dropped for the match against Southampton on Saturday and will be absent for Wednesday’s match at home to West Ham. “Following his latest disciplinary breach last week, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will no longer be our club captain, and will not be considered for selection for Wednesday’s match against West Ham United,” wrote Arsenal on their official website. “We expect all our players, particularly our captain, to work to the rules and standards we have all set and agreed.” In the meantime, Thomas Partey could be considered for the job as a group of senior players preparing to make an appointment for the person who will lead them. Source: Kingaziz.com

President Akufo-Addo will tonight address the nation on new measures taken against the spread of covid-19 in the country. The update will be his 27 to the nation. Although the content of his message to be delivered tonight is unknown, it is emerging that the President is likely to impose soke tough measures switch will help reduce the spread of Covid-19. The broadcast will be aired on all media platforms across the country at 8pm. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Education Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has clearly stated that, the duration for Senior Secondary School Education in Ghana will be moved from 3 to 6 years. This pronouncement forms part of the efforts to transform secondary education in Ghana with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at the centre. Dr Adutwum further stated that, the number of high schools in Ghana is going to be reduced from 13,000 to about 2,500 after the county education system. “That facilities we are providing is just like any high school facility and every one of these schools has library, biology, chemistry and physics lab. Beautiful school buildings and they are coming to a community near you very soon”. In 2023 when we open those schools you are going to see how we are going to provide six years quality secondary education and not three years plus some three years old middle school-led education that we call high school,” he told journalists in Accra on Tuesday, December 14. Dr Adutwum had earlier said the government was determined to improve on STEM education in the country. He said the administration was going to partner various stakeholders including private sector operators to provide the most needed infrastructure like laboratories, workshops, and lecture rooms for STEM-based institutions. “With the Government pursuing strategies aimed at increasing the Gross Tertiary Enrollment Ratio (GTER) from the current 18.84% to 40% by 2030, it is in our interest to continuously expand the infrastructural base of the various tertiary institutions,” Dr. Adutwum said. He added, “We are all aware of the many ongoing projects on our tertiary campuses, some of which have been abandoned for years, while others are in urgent need of additional Government funding for completion”. Story by: Raphael Richstison Tetteh

A Nigerian Evangelist who goes by the name Evangelist Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi has asked men to stop licking women without effect. In a sermon delivered his church auditorium, the man of God who happens to be the founder and spiritual director of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach (ZPMO) stated firmly that licking hinders a man from making any headway in life. He stated; “You are imitating them, you start doing Homosexual, putting mouth in some body’s private part. You watch them on Youtube, you carry your mouth… a man that wants to prosper, you carry your mouth, inside a woman’s private part and starts washing plate" Now listen to me, imitating the white men won’t take you anywhere, you will see some people that can’t make money again is as a result of putting his mouth inside somebody’s private part that smells, so disgusting. Those kind of men don’t use to make money, they will be marking time because you are putting your mouth from the same thing you came into the world from.” See reactions to his admonition; Aduno M; “the pastor preaching hot… see as all the women dey fan body”. Victor O; “this pastor… you dey look for trouble ooo, by the time you finally break this table, e go clear from your eye’’. John O; “i hear you sir, this is the greatest truth I have ever heard. That stuffs hinder payer a lot. Men, open you eyes and flee from destiny destroyers’’.Clare A; ‘’he must have put his mouth inside the ones with infection, that is why he thinks every pussy smells… pastor, your wife is missing o. you better wash her plate, let her moan and scream your name multiple times. Credit: GHBase

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor has called on the Chiefs and Queen mothers of the Oti Region to partner government to effectively manage the newly found resources in the region. Addresing the Chiefs and Queen mothers of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, on Tuesday, 14 December 2021, the Minister said the Chiefs must be actively involved in the management and administration of the lands and natural resources of the country because without them, these resources cannot be properly managed. " it is now time for government and traditional rulers to come together to protect our lands and natural resources" He stated. He reiterated that hydrocarbones have been discovered in the Voltain Basin and charged them to work with the Oti Regional Security Council ( REGSEC) to protect the lands that have these deposits from foreigners who are likely to take away the raw materials for personal gains without retaining any value in the region. He asked that they also keep an eye on the iron ore deposits discovered in the region while giving government the time to  mobilise the needed resources and funds to exploit both resources for the good of all. The engagement with the Chiefs is a permanent feature in almost all the 16 regions visited by the Hon. Minister. The Paramount Chief of the Oti traditional area who also doubles as the President of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Mprah Besemuna III, Krachiwura, thanked Hon. Jinapor for being the first Minister of state to have visited the Oti region after the creation of the region. He also expressed gratitude to the Minister for striving to find a voice and place for traditional rulers in the administration of natural resources in the country. He added that they recognise his efforts and will therefore support him on all fronts to bring the development he has promised the region. He however asked that the Minister ensures they receive their due royalties as and when necessary. The Chief said as a new region, they have uncountable number of needs but they trust in the Minister and in government to deliver on their promises of retaining the full value chain of all mineral resources exploited in their region. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Following the decommissioning and re-engineering of the Kpone landfill, the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR) has disclosed that it has secured a 65.5 acre land at Ayidan, in the Ga South Municipal of the Greater Accra Region, for the construction of a new engineered landfill site. According to the sector Minister, Mrs Abena Dapaah, who made the disclosure in a speech read on her behalf during the 5th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA) in Accra, on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, the completion of this landfill will take care of final waste treatment and disposal to augment the massive investment made by the private sector. The 5th AGM of ESPA brought together all its regional chapters, and it was themed: “Public Private Sector Engagement For A More Sustainable Waste Management.” She added that the ministry was also constructing a waste transfer station at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), which will help address the problem of long haulage distance of members within the northern enclave of Greater Accra. She commended ESPA members for their support to her ministry since its creation. “Indeed, ESPA’s mission which is to complement, and support government’s efforts to resolving environmental challenges in communities in Ghana is well in line with the theme for this 5th AGM,” she stressed. Mrs Dapaah underscored that a strong relationship between the public and private sectors was crucial to ensuring that the gains chalked in the sanitation space were sustained. “National and home-grown solutions in the sanitation sector have proven to be the answer to our challenges…,” she averred. It was along this line that she indicated that her ministry was ensuring that engagements with stakeholders including ESPA were deepened to have in place a sustainable waste management landscape. She called on the citizenry to stop the practice of waste burning, adding that “One in five households in the country practise burning of waste, and such rates surprisingly.do not vary in urban areas from the rural.” The implications of waste burning on Ghana’s climate, she pointed out, cannot be overemphasised. According to her, segregation of waste at this point remained the nation’s best approach to recycling. “Of course, segregation has implications on waste companies which includes additional fleet capacity, additional staff etc., all of which eventually leads to costs in the short to medium term,” she said. However, Mrs Dapaah said the benefits of waste segregation to the country’s environment were guaranteed in several ways. These, she mentioned, include prolonged life of landfills, value-addition of salvaged materials, that is, plastics and organic waste, reduced frequency among others. She assured that her ministry was collaborating with the various metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) to put in place the necessary measures to sensitise and vigorously enforce the sanitation bye-laws to ensure high compliance and attitudinal change among the citizenry towards environmental cleanliness. The President of ESPA, Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong, in his address, was full praise for the Akufo-Addo administration for creating an enabling environment for private sector to thrive in the sanitation sector. “I am delighted to say that the government of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has given true meaning to this mantra. Through His Excellency’s transformational leadership and relevant policy interventions, an enabling environment for the private sector to grow has been created,” he stated. He said this was an environment that empowers the private sector to do more, and “we in the sector should not waste it nor take it for granted.” He also applauded Mrs Dapaah for her leadership and supportive role in the sanitation industry. “The government’s achievement in this sector is unprecedented and historic and it is worthy of note that since independence, over 60 years ago, it is during this administration that Ghana has experienced massive environmental infrastructural improvement. Thirty-six (36) plants were commissioned within a year! These are 16 IRECoPs, 14 medical waste treatment plants, 4 wastewater treatment facilities in Tema, Takoradi, Tamale and Kumasi. Others, he said, are decommissioning and reengineering of the two major landfill sites in Kpone in Accra and Oti in the Ashanti Region with technical support from our American Partners using very modern technology. According to him, ESPA’s membership now stands at 7,500 from a humble beginning of 28 members. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Lands and Natural Resources Minister, amuel A Jinapor has asked the Oti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to take immediate steps and protect the voltain basin from private developers and encroaches. He said the basin has great potential to hold significant petroleum resources and tasked the security council to urgently and importantly prevent activities that seeks to jeopardise on shore oil exploration in the interest and forward match of the country. Hon. Jinapor maintained that the vision of President Akufo-Addo in relation to the Lands and Natural Resources sector is to among others decentralised matters relating to the sector and also hand over the enforcement regime to the Regional Security councils. "You are therefore to take full control of the Security architecture in the regions and also protect public Lands" he said. The Oti Regional Minister Joshua Makubu assured the sector Minister of the region's preparedness to help protect the Lands and Natural Resources of the country. He also pleadged his unwavering support to the sector Minister to enhance operations in the Lands and Natural Resources sector. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The newly-established Community Mining Scheme (CMS) at Mfante in the Ahafo Ano North Municipality of the Ashanti Region will create 2000 direct jobs, Hon. George Mireku Duker, the Deputy Minister of Lands in charge of Mining has disclosed. Hon. Mireku Duker intimates that the scheme will positively affect economic activities in the community and municipality. He made the revelation during a ceremony to inaugurate a Community Mining Scheme in Mfante on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. He re-echoed government’s position that the Community Mining Scheme which is a substitute of the canker called illegal mining guarantees more benefits to the community than galamsey. The MP for Tarkwa-Nsuaem detailed that the Community Mining Scheme employs a safer method of harvesting gold as it does not make use of the destructive element of mercury. He applauded the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor for the initiative and explained that like all the CMS set ups, experts will be deployed to ensure that the measures stipulated in the act that regulates small-scale mining are duly followed. Hon. George Mireku-Duker appealed to the traditional leaders and community to support government’s fight against the galamsey canker and help nip it in the bud. “The CMS is an initiative of the government to ensure safety mining methods so as to prevent the destruction of our environment. The CMS is a good way of mining gold so that our resources will be protected. We have established CMS schemes in mining communities. You all should be happy because this type of mining has been approved by government. We’ll make sure that all the safety protocols are followed and it feels with happiness to see that a first aid centre has been opened. “I have seen an office that will ensure proper administration. We’ll assign a geologist to this firm to inspect and ensure that everything done is in accordance with the law. This Community Mining Scheme will employ at least 2000 persons. President Akufo-Addo is not against mining. In fact, he loves mining but he is against activities that destroy our environment,” he said. The Municipal Chief Executive of Ahafo Ano North District, Hon. Martina Appiah Nyantekyi described it as a welcoming development for the municipality and warned against illegal mining. She stressed that the scheme could lead to a turnaround in the economic fortunes of the community hence requires the support of persons and institutions within the municipality. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Chairperson for Advocates for Christ Ghana, Edem Senanu has challenged the Akufo-Addo government to withdraw its various directives mandating Ghanaians to embark on a compulsory vaccination exercise. According to Mr. Senanu, the decision by the Akufo-Addo government is an infringement on the rights of tye citizens. Addressing Journalists in Accra on Tuesday morning, he said "We call on the Minister of Health and the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service together with the Minister of Education and the Director General of Ghana Education Service to withdraw the directives mandating compulsory vaccination" He added that the Government of Ghana should proceed on its vaccination drive through engaging in providing comprehensive education to citizens that would aid them in making the necessary choices to voluntarily accept vaccination. Mr. Senanu said "We should not be forcing, compelling or insisting mandatory vaccinations for citizens, this infringes on the rights to make personal informed medical choices as they deem fit and could adversely impact citizens in the long run. He called on President Akufo-Addo to support the rights of the citizens by curtailing the drive to implement mandatory vaccination. Below is a picture: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith