Stonebwoy is pleading with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare to forgive the leader of Shatta Movement for whatever offence he has committed. The Afropop, Dancehall and Reggae artiste says even though the police’s move is an indication of getting institutions to work, whatever his colleague and brother, Shatta Wale, has suffered is enough to deter future incidents. He was responding to a question posed to him on his take on Shatta’s arrest when Captain Smart hosted him on Onua TV/FM’s ‘Maakye’, joined by TV3’s Cookie on Friday, November 5, 2021, as Ghanasonline.com followed. Stonebwoy said he believes the IGP’s upcoming meeting with the industry players will play a pivotal role on what needs to be done moving forward. “He (IGP) is doing things that will put things in order for the future. They need to give us the benefit of the doubt, give us the caution, educate us so that when someone flouts it later, then we take it from there. So everyone should forgive everyone,” he pleaded. Dancehall artiste, Charles Nii Armah Mensah known in showbiz circles as Shatta Wale was arrested by the Ghana Police Service after he turned himself in on October 19, 2021. He was arrested for faking reports that he was shot by some unknown gunmen on Monday, October 18. The police had earlier arrested two other pereons who spread false information in connection with the alleged gun attack on Shatta Wale. The two were the artiste’s Public Relations Manager, Kojo Owusu Koranteng, also known as Nana Dope and Eric Venator, alias Gangee. They were arrested on grounds of having the intention to cause fear and panic among the public. Shatta Wale, prior to his arrest in a lengthy Facebook post, apologised to his fans and people who had been affected by the prank. According to him, he took the phones of the team members and made the fake post referencing a prophecy that was made by a preacher that he would be shot dead on October 18, 2021. Source: Ghanasonline.com

Barcelona have finally announced that Xavi is the club’s new manager after another chaotic few days for the Catalan giants. Al Sadd announced early on Friday that Xavi was heading to Barcelona after the Catalans paid his release clause. However, it subsequently emerged that Barca weren’t too happy about all that and more negotiations followed between the two clubs. It seems now that Barcelona and Xavi have agreed to pay €2.5 million each in order to get the deal done. There is also speculation that Barca could recoup the €5m by playing a friendly with Al Sadd at some point in the future. Here’s the club’s official statement: “FC Barcelona have reached an agreement with Xavi Hernández for him to become first team coach for the rest of the current season and two more seasons. Xavi Hernández, a youth team product at Barça, has left his current club, Al-Sadd of Qatar, after talks held over the last few days with the owners of the club. “It is expected that Xavi Hernández will arrive in Barcelona this weekend and that on Monday 8 November his presentation as new FC Barcelona first team coach will take place in an event open to the public at Camp Nou. After the event Xavi Hernández will appear in a press conference in the Ricard Maxenchs press room.” Below are some pictures: Source | FC Barcelona

The Energy Minister, Hon. Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has met with power producers Lekela on the sidelines of the COP26 Climate Change Conferec currently taking place in Glasgow, Scotland, to engage the company on how they could best align with Ghana's energy sector and economic development plans. Lekela is Africa’s largest renewable energy Independent Power Producer (IPP), with more than 1 gigawatt of projects in operation across Africa, including in Egypt, Senegal, and South Africa. The discussions centered on a business proposal of a 225mw of wind power, on a take-and-pay contract with no government guarantee and with a very competitive energy charge denominated in pesewas. At the meeting, Dr. Prempeh, who is also the MP for Manhyia South, assured the company of government’s eagerness to engage them to conclude an agreement with a local distribution company in Ghana. On his part, the CEO of Lekela, Chris Antonopoulous said his company brings with it the highest international standards for responsible investing and a comprehensive plan for sustainable investment in the project-affected community and will create hundreds of jobs in the process between construction and operation as well as procure a considerable amount of local content, helping to upskill workers. He thanked the Minister for the opportunity to meet and looked forward to the development of the project to fit in with Ghana's energy transition agenda, meet Ghana's energy needs and contribute towards the country's renewable energy targets. Mr. Antonopoulous was joined by the company’s Chief Commercial Officer, Bernard Kiernan, with Mr. Paul Akwaboah, Chairman of the UK Ghana Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board in attendance. In attendance from the Ministry of Energy were the Chief Director, Mr. Lawrence Apaalse and the Director of Legal, Ms Sarah Fafa Kpodo. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) has charged the newly sworn-in governing board of the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA) to ensure it activates the LUSPA fund. According to him, the fund will be activated with help of the Ministry of Local Government. Speaking at the swearing in of the governing board, he said "LUSPA was created not long ago so it has got a lot of problems at the operations. As you know, you have a shared mandate with the Ministry of Local Government and you are in charge of legislation and policy. But ensure you activate the LUSPA fund" He also pointed out that the LUSPA entity has critical vacancies adding that the various critical vacancies have to be filled and approved by the board. He challenged the governing board that since the LUSPA is not visible, they should work hard to ensure that the entity get the necessary commendation. He reminded the governing board that he will keep an eagle eye on their dealings to ensure they serve the nation in the beat interest. On his part, the Chairman of Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA) Governing Board, Prof. Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa said "Each member comes into office with different but complementary skills and this would be an advantage that will inure to the benefit of your authority. There is adequate representation from sister ministries, agencies and commissions, traditional authority, as well as the built environment versus in our meetings as a board" He added that the governing board will do as much as possible to build consensus among the first vote on very critical issues. He added that all these efforts are aimed at making quick decisions for its management. He mentioned that the board will play a lead role in offering strategic directions to the authority to ensure that these lofty ideas come to fruition. "This will change the face of the authority and prepare it on to greater heights to continue to deliver on its core mandate" He thanked President Akufo-Addo and Honourable Afriyie for the great opportunity to serve the country. Below are some videos and pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Police Service as part of its Proactive Preventive Policing Strategy, on Friday 5th November, 2021 met with the Executive members of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and officials of all the 18 Premier League clubs at the Police Headquarters, in Accra. The engagement was aimed at identifying peculiar challenges associated with sports security in Ghana with the aim of addressing same. Leading the discussion was the President of the GFA, Mr. Kurt Edwin Simon Okraku. Concerns raised at the meeting included, inadequate number of police personnel deployed for stadium duties, lack of CCTV cameras in the stadia, hooliganism, lack of prosecution of sports-related crimes, narcotic use by spectators during matches and the management of stadium gates. Irregularities in sports betting and how it affects the integrity of games, match-fixing as well as the need for a dedicated Police Unit for sporting activities were also highlighted. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare and some members of the Police Management Board (POMAB) responded to the concerns raised and gave the assurance that the Police Service was determined to guarantee the safety of spectators, match officials, players and other patrons at all football games in the country. The IGP therefore urged all present to do their part by resolving any internal issues that have the potential to disturb the peace before, during and after matches. Below are some pictures: Credit: PR Unit, Ghana Police

Ghana’s power transmission company, Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), says it is working with the National Security to rid areas within the Greater Accra Region of illegal occupants whose activities prevent access to transmission towers. According to the company, this is to ensure adequate and quality power transmission to the Greater Accra Region and adjoining areas. Year after year, the power transmission company faces challenges with the activities of encroachers along its transmission towers and lands across the country. Speaking during a press briefing in Accra, Director of System Operation with GRIDCo, Ing. Mark Baah, cautioned the public from operating under these lines as transmission line faults can result in casualties and damage to property. The company has assured it will continue to work with the relevant state institutions to remove property and structures and to curb all forms of human activities. This, it said, is to safeguard public safety and ensure the reliability of power transmission. In other developments, the Government through the National Security cautions the general public to disregard any information on any media platform instructing prospective Ghanaian students and business owners to access and apply for an alleged "United Nations' Money Funds (Ghana)", which is ranging from One Hundred and Fifty Thousand to Seven Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢150,000-GH¢700,000). The National Security has picked signals that a cybercriminal with mobile number 0206 583 702 who is behind this diabolic act has reportedly circulated the a link to swindle these groups of persons. The purported criminal activity further promises that persons ranging from 13-25 years are likely to receive between One Hundred and Fifty Thousand to Three Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis (Gh¢150,000- G¢h300,000) while those between 25 and 65years are also to receive between Four hundred Thousand and Seven Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis (Gh¢400,000- Gh¢700,000). The Deputy Information Minister, Madam Fatimatu Abubakar said, there is no such grant from the United Nations and the General public is therefore, advised to ignore any such communication. Madam Fatimatu Abubakar on another brief noted that, some Ghanaians have been lured into QNET Operations in Neighbouring Countries which the government has observed with grave concern a rise in the migration of Ghanaian youth into Cote d'Ivoire, Togo and Mali, who are lured with lucrative non-existing jobs but end up entrapped in the operations of a network marketing company, QNET. Below are some pictures: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

The Ghana Police Service has revealed that five suspects who are currently in their custody will be arraigned before court on November 8 for their alleged involvement in the stabbing of a Form One student of Konongo-Odumase Senior High School leading to his death. According to the Police, preliminary inveindicates that the suspects who are Form One students of the above mentioned school went on a bullying screen the night of Friday November 5after prep hours. In a statement signed by the Director-General, Public Affairs of Ghana Police Service, Kwesi Ofori, it said "The students went on a bullying spree on the night of Friday November 5 after prep hours leading to the attack on the deceased, Samuna Larhan, aged 17" The station also disclosed that late Larhan was rushed to the Konongo-Odumase Government Hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead on arrival. ACP Kwesi Ofori added that the police are in contact with the family of the deceased and providing them with all the necessary support. He also mentioned that the police are of the firm conviction that bullying and other forms of punishments among students must be discouraged. ACP Ofori explained that when it is discouraged by all, it will guarantee the safety of students who are the future leaders of the country. The statement stressed that the Ghana Police Service have contacted the leadership of the Ghana Education Service (GES) to work together to develop a sensitization programmes on criminal offences for students. Below is a copy of the letter: Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Astute broadcaster Nana Aba Anamoah and Mental Health advocate Abena Korkor have both called a truce following a rift between them as a result of the latter's behavior. Abena Korkor, who is widely known for her episodes of releasing sex scandals of people she's been involved with, earned her name in Nana Aba's bad books after she dragged her reputation in the mud by spewing what has today been revealed to be false. Abena Korkor leveled some allegations against Nana Aba and what is more annoying to Nana Aba is that she advised Abena Korkor behind the scenes countless times, trying to get her on the right path but her words fell on rocks. Nana Aba and Abena Korkor made a peaceful resolution of their bitter relationship on UTV's UNITED SHOWBIZ aired on Saturday with legendary actress Nana Ama Mcbrown hosting it. Abena Korkor shockingly trooped into the studios with the sole aim of apologizing to Nana Aba who in turn accepted the apology and further advised Abena Korkor to refrain from ruining people's reputations and homes with her episodic confessions. Nana Aba, furthermore, spared no words as she made her aware of how embittered her mentee Serwaa Amihere became when she (Abena Korkor) published scandalous things about Serwaa on Instagram. The Instagram posts purported that Serwaa was enjoying sexcapades with multiple men, of which married men and political bigwigs were included in a list that was made public on the social media platform. Nana Aba earned enormous admiration from viewers of United Showbiz, her fans and the populace in general with some describing her as a woman with a heart of gold as she let go of all that Abena Korkor has done and embraced her back into her life. Watch the video below: Credit: Peacefmonline.com

The National Diabetes Association of Ghana, has advised keep fit clubs, groups, and individuals to desist from taking in alcohol after embarking on health walks or exercise, as this is not a healthy practice. Mr Stephen Cofie, the National Vice President of the Association, said people tried to exercise to burn down fat, but as soon as they were done they took in alcohol which was not good and advised them to take in water and fruits after exercise. Mr Cofie, made the observation during a health walk exercise organized by the National Diabetes Association of Ghana in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to create awareness on World Diabetes Day in Accra. The health walk, which started from the Obra Spot and ended at the Accra Sports Stadium with an aerobics witnessed individuals, groups, keep fit clubs participating in the exercise. The 2021 World Diabetes Day celebration scheduled to take place on November 14, is on the theme “Access to Diabetes Care”. He said “It is good to exercise but what you take in after you have burned the fat or lost some energy is important and alcohol would not help but rather add more disease to your system, which can be hypertension, diabetes and even destroy the kidney”. “Taking too much alcohol could prevent you from reaping the rewards from all the work you have put in to the exercise”, he added. He revealed that there were about three million diabetes patients in Ghana, adding that it was worrying as the number kept increasing and urged people to change their unhealthy lifestyles, promote physical activities, have healthy diet as an effective and low cost means to prevent diabetes. “Eating timely and taking every opportunity to do some form of exercise, at home or wherever one finds him or herself would help reduce cases of diabetes as well as prolong life. “This is a silent killer disease and its complications were serious, which could lead to blindness, amputation, loss of kidneys, sexually impotent, and could also lead to cardiovascular disease. “It is therefore important that Ghanaians take precaution on certain unhealthy lifestyles to stay healthy,” Mr Cofie advised. Ms Mariam Yussif, an individual participating in the exercise, told the Ghana News Agency, she would make physical exercise more regular in her daily routine to stay healthy. Mr Fosu Owusu, a member of Lekma Keep Fit Club, said though regular exercise was difficult, he would try to do it and was grateful to the Association for organizing health walk every year. According to statistics by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 463 million adults (1-in-11) were living with diabetes in 2019, indicating that the number of people living with diabetes was expected rise to 578 million by 2030. World Diabetes Day, marked every year on 14 November, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922. It is the world's largest diabetes awareness campaign reaching a global audience of over one billion people in more than 160 countries. The campaign draws attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public and political spotlight. Source: GNA

Premier League leader, Chelsea was held to a surprise 1-1 home draw by struggling Burnley after the visitor's substitute Matej Vydra struck out of the blue late in the game to cancel out a Kai Havertz opener on Saturday. The result left Chelsea on 26 points from 11 games, three more than second-placed Manchester City which beat Manchester United 2-0 away in their lunchtime derby. Burnley stayed 18th on eight points. Goalkeeper Nick Pope kept Burnley afloat early on as he denied Callum Hudson-Odoi and Jorginho but was powerless in the 33rd minute as Reece James and Germany forward Havertz combined to devastating effect. James found space on the right flank and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Havertz to head low into the far corner from eight metres past Pope, who remained rooted to his line. Chelsea kept pressing after the break as Thiago Silva's header shaved the outside of the post before Havertz lofted a close-range shot over the bar and Pope blocked a Hudson-Odoi effort with a reflex save. Those misses proved costly as Burnley levelled after its first meaningful raid, with Ashley Westwood swinging in a teasing cross which Jay Rodriguez nodded down for Vydra to tap in from close range in the 79th minute. Credit: Sportstar

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faces fresh scrutiny and pressure after Manchester City provided their latest Old Trafford humbling. A fortnight on from the embarrassing 5-0 home humiliation at the hands of rivals Liverpool, the Red Devils fell to another one-sided defeat as they returned to the scene of the crime for the 186th Manchester derby. Pep Guardiola’s men cruised to a victory far more comfortable than the 2-0 scoreline suggested, but Eric Bailly’s own goal and a preventable Bernardo Silva effort was enough to ease past United. Solskjaer had called the loss to Liverpool the darkest day of his near three-year reign and the manner of this loss to their neighbours will lead to renewed pressure during the international break. Roy Keane said he felt “sorry” for Manchester United’s players and questioned whether they had the personality to play for the club after they were beaten 2-0 by rivals Manchester City. Speaking on Sky Sports after the match, former United captain Keane said Solskjaer must take “responsibility” for the defeat, while also launching a scathing attack on the United players for their performance. “I’d like to go in hard on the United players but today I’m feeling sorry for them. I think some of them aren’t up to playing for Manchester United, particularly at home. “This team doesn’t fight. I wouldn’t say they threw the towel in because that’s tough to square at any team, but they don’t have that desire and fight to stay in there. “This team doesn’t have personality. There’s only one yellow card today, for Ronaldo. I’m not saying go and get seven or eight, because that doesn’t win you matches, but it is a derby game. You have to show some emotion. “After watching them today, I understand why fans would want to leave after an hour.” ‘I’d like to go hard on them but today I just feel sorry for them, they don’t have what it takes to play for Manchester United’ Pep Guardiola, speaking to Sky Sports after his side beat Manchester United 2-0 at Old Trafford. “I am so demanding, we are so demanding for ourselves but I am very pleased. This is the game we needed. They [Manchester United] are so dangerous. That is why we had a game with a lot of control. If you let them run at Old Trafford it is a little bit like Anfield. They are built for that." "We played the game we needed today. You have to play quick, to move the ball and do the touches every player need but also try to put the ball in the pocket. The game was 2-0 and everything was comfortable" “Right now Chelsea are unstoppable. We know we cannot drop much points to be close to them but against the big six we performed well. "The most important thing is we came to Old Trafford and can say these guys played good. This is what I am happy the most after six years here. We tried to play our game." Solskjaer added that his United side look a long way off Manchester City and being able to challenge for the Premier League title. “At the moment we are but we have to get back to how we started to look like,” he added. “We started to look like a proper team towards the end of last season and the start of this season. We have to get back to that. “When they got the first goal, it was always going to be difficult anyway but being 1-0 down was hard. David kept us in the game with some god stops then they scored a goal they always score. “They played well, they don’t give you opportunities to win the ball off them. We were not at our level or standards. “We didn’t trust ourselves with the all, we didn’t pass as well as I know they can do and we didn’t find the angles. Sometimes that’s also the team you are playing against>” Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has come out firing after his side’s latest home defeat, and is looking ahead to the fixture against Watford that follows the international break. “I have good communication with the club all the time which is up front and honest. I work for Man United, I want the best for Man United. As long as I am here I want to improve this,” he adds. Mark Critchley reports on a United approach which backfired in another damaging derby defeat, and one which piles the pressure on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. “If Solskjaer’s tenure began as a glorious, nostalgia-fuelled throwback to 1999, the flux capacitor is now busted. The eight league and cup defeats at Old Trafford this calendar year is the most they suffered since 1989. United have now not kept a clean sheet at home for 14 games, their longest run since 1959. A club enamoured by its own history is repeating it, only in all the wrong ways.” Credit: Independent.co.uk

Ex-President John Dramani Mahama is expected to kick off his Thank You Tour of the Greater Accra Region on Tuesday, November 9, 2021. The former Ghaianan Leader John Mahama took his tour to the Upper West, Oti, Eastern, Western, Western-North, Volta, Upper East Regions and others, as part of his arrangement to say bravo and bingo to voters for the over 6 million votes the party garnered and 137 seats won in the December 7 2020 Presidential and elections. The EX-President John Mahama is expected to meet and interact with supporters, constituency executives of the party. He will also pay a courtesy call on many religious, traditional leaders, opinion leaders, the leadership of the Christian faith, Muslims community and Zongo chiefs among others. The Greater Accra communications office of NDC) revealed that the former president will be touring the region for two days. Source: africaneditors.com