ECG to be sold in 2015? Update: 01 - Dec - 2014

The planned privatization of Electricity Company of Ghana, a cardinal recommendations of the IMF's bailout plans is on course, Business Day has learnt.
The paper has also gathered that the privatization of the power distribution company could come into full force next year.
The ECG Maintenance Officer in the Central region, Mr. Brekorang, who has kicked against the move says the privatisation of the power
utility company would result in thousands of workers losing their jobs.
"What is so bad is that next year, about 3,000 workers of ECG are going home and they are going to add up to the unemployment situation in the country.
"The consequence of this is that, as they want to sell ECG, Ghanaians will suffer more when they buy credit from ECG, the situation of
credit will be more than fuel increment," he added.
The Breton Wood institution wants to see a complete overhaul of the power sector which has been plunged into an almost chaos. This
development indicates that government subsidy for the power sector will reduce significantly, propelling a possible rise in
electricity bills for the already overburdened populace.
It is however unclear whether part of the company will be sold on the Ghana Stock Exchange, as was the initial plan. Following the dismissal of the MD, William Hutton Mensah,
which received opposition from majority of ECG workers, the embattled power utility company is presently undergoing restructuring.
Bloomberg had earlier reported that government is set to push state-owned corporations, including ECG to issue debt on
their own balance sheets. It quoted Finance Minister, Seth Tekper as saying that Ghana will have "vigorous use of alternative financing instruments for energy
and non-energy investments," "We will continue to enhance the use of oil as a resource to leverage the capital markets for development."
He also indicated that Cocobod may sell long-term bonds to finance infrastructure in the
industry while securities backed by oil and gas assets are also being considered as he presented the country's 2015 spending plan.
The Bank of Ghana occasionally sells short-term cocoa bills, including an offer in June
2014 of GHc317.8 million I ($100 million) of 182- day notes.
Since early this year, Ghana has been hit by one of the worst energy crisis which has led to
massive load shedding due to acute power shortage. The power shortage is as a result of a fall in water levels in the Akosombo Dam and inconsistent supply of gas from Nigeria due to reported oil and gas strikes in that country.
Lately, Ghana has been grappling with power outages, shortage of gas among others that has caused severe power shortage resulting in
load shedding.

Obinim is a sorcerer not a pastor - Hare Krishna Movement. Update: 01 - Dec - 2014

Spokesperson for the Hare Krishna Movement of Ghana has fired a salvo at Bishop Daniel Obinim for threatening former President Jerry
Rawlings and popular television presenter, Afia Schwarzenegger.
Giana Chachus Das did not mince words describing the founder of the International Gods Way Church as a “sorcerer not a pastor”.
Bishop Obinim has incurred the wrath of many after he threatened to deal with the two [Rawlings and Afia] for criticizing his ministry.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, the Bishop while addressing his congregation
said he will deal with Afia Schwarzenegger mercilessly in her dream.
“You sit on radio and TV and talk nonsense; I will be visiting you in your dream and deal with you ruthlessly”. Bishop Obinim cautioned those who do not understand spiritual matters
not to judge or criticize pastors they perceive to be fake.
But in an interview with Adom News, Chachus Das said the recent comments by Obinim prove he is fake.
In his view, the move by the ‘Man of God’ is devilish hence must be condemned by Christians in the country.
“No pastor can appear in dreams unless he is a magician, sorcerer or practice witchcraft,” he
stressed. The Bible even says vengeance is the Lord’s so
why didn’t Obinim leave the matter to God and concentrate on his ministry” he quizzed.
Chachus Das said Obinim is among those fake pastors who have brought the name of God and Christianity into disrupt. On the contrary, renowned preacher, Rev. Gabriel Ansah believes Obinim might have said that just to
put fear in those criticizing his ministry.
“It’s impossible for any mortal human being to appear in dreams; even angels need God’s permission before they can appear in dreams.
Rev. Gabriel Ansah indicated that the comment by Bishop Obinim is unbiblical because pastors don’t control the human spirit.
Let’s forgive, Obinim did not mean any harm,” he added.

22 - Yr- Old Wicked Nanny Who Physically Assaulted 18 - month Old Baby Speaks From Jail Updated: 28 -Nov -2014

Jolly Tumuhiirwe , the 22- year- old maid who physically assaulted 18- month old baby , Arnella Kamanzi, is speaking out about why she
committed the heinous act .
Tumuhiirwe , who is currently in prison , and facing attempted murder charges, is asking the
world to forgive her for the incident, and revealed the reason why she beat Kamanzi is that she was frustrated because her bosses
wouldn’ t give her money , and that they accused her of things she hadn ’ t done, Ugandaonline .net reports.
My dad in Kabale was very sick and yet my mom did not have any money . I asked my bosses for some money to send to my dad but
they told me that I hadn’ t made a month yet and my father was dying, so it kept on haunting me. ”
That is the more reason I referred the anger to the baby but I ’m sorry. But that madam ( Arnella’s mom ) is not easy . She used to say
that I steal money from the clothes and Eric’s wallet , I eat the babies food …and yet I can’t
eat the food, I ’m not a baby , those were all lies , so, I was also not happy from my heart.” I feel guilty.. ok when I was doing it I thought I was disciplining the baby because also the
mother sometimes slaps her . The torch I used was small and it’ s not hard . I think , I will never do it again… It ’s not good at all even my fellow prisoners don’ t want to associate with me , they want to
beat me up . In fact nobody likes me and I ’m feeling bad I will never do it again, I ask the
world to forgive me and also tell the bosses who have maids to treat them well…

30 % of Europe ’ s Cocaine Passes Through Ghana Updated: 28 -Nov -2014

Almost eight to 30 per cent of drugs entering Europe passes through Ghana, security expert
Dr Emmanuel Kwesi Aning has revealed .
Dr Aning said the situation is pushing Ghana into a state of rejection in the international
community . “ We have infrastructure that facilitates the [ drug ] trade, ” Dr Aning said. The
Head of Research at the Kofi Annan
International Peacekeeping Training Center ( KAIPTC) made these remarks on TV 3’ s Agenda
on Thursday, November 27 .
“ We have opened ourselves up and told the international security that airport security [at the Kotoka International Airport] is ZERO,” he
pointed out .
He expressed sadness at the way issues of narcotics have been tackled in the country
especially between the two leading political parties . “There is a certain acceptability. ”
He recommended that those appointed to fight drug trafficking should be well resourced and
paid well in order to insulate them from the influence of drug barons , who are behind political party funding in Ghana , he said.

MP Blows Alarm Over ¢ 54 m; SADA, AGAMS Fingered Updated: 28 -Nov -2014

Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo Markins is challenging officials of the
Savannah Accelerated Development Authority ( SADA ) and the AGAMS group to come clean on a total amount of ¢ 54 million said to have been misappropriated by the two companies in two separate projects.
The member of the Finance Committee of Parliament insists an amount of 35 million cedis is yet to be accounted for in a transaction between the Finance Ministry and
the AGAMS group.
As if that is not enough, the MP said another 19 million cedis , earmarked for the purchase of tractors for agricultural activities in the SADA regions in 2013 cannot be accounted for .
That brings to 54 million cedis ,the total amount of money misappropriated. Raising the issue on the floor of Parliament,
the MP said ¢ 200 million cedis was raised through the issuance of bonds for SADA activities in the three northern regions , as well
as the northern parts of the Volta and Brong Ahafo regions.
He reported the Ministry of Finance as saying the entire amount was paid to the AGAMS
group for development activities in the designated regions.
However, the AGAMS group claims it only received 165 million cedis of the amount and not 200 million cedis as reported.
Mr Markins said till date nobody has explained what happened to the 35 million cedis . Explaining the myth surrounding the tractor
cash , the MP said SADA had told the Finance Committee of Parliament that they had given
the AGAMS group 19 million cedis to buy tractors .
“ As part of my usual follow ups, AGAMs wrote to me denying vehemently that they don ’t
know anything about tractors. Where is this 19 million cedis ?” he demanded .
SADA must tell us where the 19 million has gone to . Which company did they pay it to; for
how many tractors . If they have arrived when did they arrive ? he demanded . He accused the government of giving up on
the SADA project which was otherwise a worthy project to ameliorate hunger in the northern
regions of Ghana . “ SADA as a policy initiative is no more on
government ’s agenda for 2015 ,” he alleged.

Chairman Wontumi threatens Afari-Gyan. Update: 27 - Nov - 2014

The Electoral Commission Chairman Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan has lodged a complaint with the Ashanti regional Police command
following an alleged threat on his life by the regional chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Bosiako, popularly known as Chairman
Wontumi, StarrFMonline.com has gathered. The incident according to our sources, happened at the Ashanti regional headquarters
of the EC where Dr Afari- Gyan is currently partaking in an exercise to select electoral officers for the upcoming district assembly
elections.
A source close to the NPP regional chairman told Starr News’ Ashanti regional correspondent Isaac Bediako Justice that his boss is angry over the EC’s refusal to respond to his concerns over the just ended Voter registration exercise even though he has long
written to them over the matter.
He admits Wontumi accosted the EC boss, but rejects claims he threatened his life.

I Am Guilty; Cocaine Girl Nayele Pleads .. .Case Adjourned To Next Year Updated: 27 -Nov -2014

Nayele Ametefeh has finally pleaded guilty to the charge of illegally possessing and trafficking Class A drugs into the United
Kingdom. The Ghanaian lady has for sometime been at the centre of the intense cocaine media outrage and would be remanded in custody
until 5 th January, 2015 before she would be sentenced .
Before the court reached this stage , counsel for the defendant, Andrea Maria Brown , had
pleaded with the house to postpone the case to the next four weeks but the suggestion was
rejected by the presiding Judge, Edmunds Q .C .
According to counsel for Ametefeh, her client wanted to quickly know her fate but the state prosecutor, Revinden Johal , told the court that
as at now , lab analysis of the quantity and purity of the substance plus its street value is
yet unknown and it would be prudent to examine it in a forensic lab before proceedings
could continue.
Reports in the media pegged the quantity at 12 .5 kg but the prosecution say it could be more or less and that could affect the actual
sentence. Present at the Isleworth Crown Court was Peace FM ’s Vida Adutwumwaa Boateng and she
reports that Nayele Ametefeh addressed the judge from prison via video. The video conferencing is said to have started at 2 :15 pm
and Ametefeh, appeared wearing an ash long sleeves dress over a black leggings with silver earrings to match. “ She neither smiled nor put up a mean face in court but randomly placed her hands over her face ”, our reporter added.

Ghana appoint Grant as new coach Update: 27 November 2014

Former Chelsea boss Avram Grant has been appointed the new coach of Ghana.
The 59-year-old has signed a 27-month deal to take over from Maxwell Konadu, who had been
in temporary charge since Kwesi Appiah left in September.
He will start work on Monday and his contract will finish at the end of February 2017 - after that year's Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Israeli Grant has only six weeks to prepare the Black Stars for the 2015 Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea.
The Ghana Football Association have given Grant a target of "doing well" at the upcoming tournament and to win the event two years
later.
GFA president Kwesi Nyantekyie told BBC Sport: "It would be unfair to ask a coach appointed only one month before a tournament to win the trophy. "But he must do well and then the FA will assess his performance after the Nations Cup and determine whether he has done well or not.
Grant becomes the 32nd head coach of the Black Stars. In that time they have also had three caretaker coaches "Avram Grant is a motivator and an organiser.
We needed someone with a certain stature or pedigree who can manage the egos of our players as well as their expectations and those
of Ghanaians in general.
"He has managed a lot of top-class players, and [coping with high profile players] has been the bane of many African coaches. We believe his quality will turn things around for us."
Ghana, who topped their qualification group for next year's showpiece, will find out their
opponents in Equatorial Guinea when the draw is made on 3 December. The tournament will be held between 17 January and 8 February.
Grant, who as Chelsea boss suffered defeat by Manchester United in the 2008 European
Champions League final, was most recently the technical director at Thai side BEC Tero Sasana.
His previous coaching role was at Partizan Belgrade from 2012 to 2014, during which time he steered the club to their fifth consecutive Serbian championship.
As well as spells in charge of English clubs Portsmouth and West Ham, Grant has international experience having spent four
years at the helm of Israel's national side. There had been been concerns that Grant's
nationality could prevent him gaining access to some North African countries. Earlier in the week, Nyantekyie told BBC Sport
"that is an issue" but says the two parties will deal with it.
"The holder of an Israeli passport will not only be denied entry into North African countries, he will be denied into some Arab countries,"
he said.
"He has brought an alternative way of dealing with it. There is a satisfactory arrangement to
arrest his threat. Very soon, in a matter of months, we should clear that."

Confirmed : NDC Postpones National Delegates' Congress Updated: 27 -Nov -2014

The much anticipated National Delegates ’ congress of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC ) has been postponed again.
The congress was scheduled to take place in Kumasi on December 13, however , according to Mr Yaw Boateng Gyan, it has been
postponed to 20 th December , 2014 . The congress was originally planned for October 25 but a law suit brought against the
leadership of the party by an aggrieved member forced it to be postponed. Speaking in an interview on PEACE FM , the
National Youth Organiser indicated that President John Dramani Mahama will not be around on December 13; hence the need for a
new date.
The congress will enable party delegates’ to elect new national executives to lead the party.

Cocaine Saga : Nayele Ametefe To Appear In UK Court Today Updated: 27 -Nov -2014

The woman at the center of the 12 kilogram cocaine bust in the UK will on Thursday appear in court for the second time after her arrest.
Nayele Ametefe alias Ruby Appiah or Angel will be appearing in court in the United Kingdom ( UK) today.
Nayele was arrested on November 10 at the Heathrow Airport for carrying 12 .5 kilos of cocaine in her hand luggage.
After the arrest, she was arraigned before the Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday November 11 and charged for drug trafficking .
She was subsequently remanded in Police custody to reappear on 27 th November , 2014 .
Today , she will appear before the Isleworth Crown Court, Greater London, UK , where her trial will begin. Per sources close to talk of ghana , the case with ID T20141080 Ametefeh will commence at 2 pm .
Apart from that, today' s meeting is a preliminary hearing and so the defendant ( Nayele Ametefe ) will not be appearing in court.
Meanwhile, a total of 12 people have been arrested in Ghana in connection with the case . They include the two ladies; Nana Akua
Amponsah and Sadalia Sandra Nuhu who reportedly traveled with Nayele but absconded after the latter was arrested by the Police in
the UK .

Ugandan nanny charged with attempted murder Updare: 24th - November - 2014

The Police in Uganda has charged the nanny who was caught on camera abusing a 2-year-old girl with attempted murder.
A Police Officer, Patrick Onyango who disclosed this said the case was referred to the State Attorney of Uganda who then amended
the charge.
The suspect; 22-year-old Jolly Tumuhiirwe, was arrested and charged under Uganda’s Anti-
Torture Act Section 3. Officer Onyango cautioned parents not to
“trust house helps, don’t trust these maids.” He suggested that parents who decide to employ the services of a house help, “you can
bring a relative to be part of your family so that you don’t leave the kid alone at home. If you don’t want a family member, you can seek the services of a CCTV camera at home to monitor what is going on.” Tumuhiirwe was caught on video torturing a 2-year-old girl in Uganda after the little girl vomited food she had been forced to eat.
Her actions came to light after the parents of the little girl installed a hidden camera in the living room to monitor what happens in their
absence.
The toddler’s father, Erick Kamanzi, a senior staff at a reputable NGO in Kampala was arrested for mercilessly beating the house help
after viewing the video. He was arrested by the Police but was later
released when the Police were shown the video.
Uganda’s Youth and Children Affairs Minister, Ronald Kibuule on Sunday visited the family.
According to him, his Ministry will design a legal and policy framework which will regulate
the activities of maids and other domestic staff.
“We want to put in place basic professional requirements so that companies that recruit maids are registered and maids who are
exploited and abused by their bosses too have protection,” he said.
The girl is now fine and happy again

Click on video below to watch the Ugandan

Police speak on the matter

Ghana is HIPC again – ISSER Update: 24 - Nov - 2014

With a 60.8 per cent debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio Ghana has returned to the Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) regime, an Economist with the University of Ghana and the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research [ISSER] has said.
Prof Peter Quartey said any rate above 60 percent automatically puts a country into a HIPC category, stressing, the situation would
become worse if the already acquired loans are not put into any productive use. "If you contract a facility and consume [it] or use it to pay wages and salaries and the rest
that is where the danger starts looming, because we are not able to repay the loan and that can have very dire consequences on the economy," he told Joy News' Francis Abban in an interview.
Asked if the current debt profile puts the country into the HIPC category, Prof Peter Quartey said: It [60.8% of GDP] puts us in the
Highly Indebted category.
Any rate above 60 per cent puts you in a HIPC category," he stated emphatically. He was however quick to add that the country does not need an IMF bailout but rather be meticulous in how and what it spends the loans on.
The Finance Minister Seth Terkper late last week announced the country's debt profile during his presentation of the 2015 Budget
statement. “Ghana’s public debt stock as a percentage of GDP has been rising over the years. It
increased from 36.3 percent in 2009 to 48.03 percent in 2012 and further to 55.53 percent in 2013.
“As at end of September 2014, the debt stock stood at 60.8 percent, largely on account of increase in external net disbursements for
infrastructure projects and net domestic issuance, and the depreciation of the cedi.
“The provisional public debt stock as at end September 2014,” the minister noted, “stood
at GH¢69,705.90 million (US$21,733.51 million).” Speaking to Joy News, the ISSER official is praying the loans accrued would not go into paying salaries.
He hoped the loans secured would go into productive investment.
Ghana declared itself HIPC in 2001 when its debts became largely unsustainable. The declaration led to the country benefitting from
a huge windfall with donors forgiving the then Kufuor administration the debts incurred over the years. However, years of borrowing means the country has crawled back into the HIPC
category.
Joy Business' George Wiafe reported the IMF as saying the country's debt may be hitting a 70
per cent mark by close of the financial year. At the moment, the country pays a little over
9billion cedis as interest on loans, Wiafe reported.
He said the country's debt portfolio may force the rating agencies to react. He explained the rating agencies may tell investment partners to be careful lending to Ghana because with such a debt profile it would be risky granting loans to a country which may not have the potential to pay back.
At best, the country would be forced to borrow at an extremely higher rate than it would if it was not highly indebted.

2015 Budget Shows NDC Has Created A Fiscal Mess But Has No Clue How To Deal With It - Bawumia Updated: 23 -Nov -2014

“ The 2015 budget demonstrates one thing for sure . The NDC government has created a fiscal
mess after 6 years in office but has no clue how to deal with it . ”
These were the comments of Dr . Mahamudu Bawumia, 2016 Vice Presidential Candidate of the NPP , when he met the UK Branch of the
Young Executives Forum in Milton Keynes on Saturday. Dr . Bawumia , who thrilled the audience with
his remarkable insight on the Ghanaian economy, used the opportunity to do an elaborate review on the 2015 Budget
presented by the John Mahama government a few days ago.
“ The government ’s focus is on raising revenue to hide the fiscal indiscipline . However, it is
clearly more of an expenditure
mismanagement problem . The budget does not address expenditure review and re- composition and measures to ensure fiscal discipline, but
rather focuses on the revenue side (raising more taxes ), clearly being insensitive to the population and taxing them to hide inefficiencies . There is a saying that “ if all you
have is a hammer everything begins to look like a nail!” This is so appropriate in the case of this NDC Government, “ he said .
Dr. Bawumia used the infamous Petroleum Tax to explain how the government was totally lost
in its handling of the current economic crisis.
“ This Special Tax on petroleum products is bound to also increase the already high cost of doing business in the country. At the time
when many businesses are having to pay for diesel to run generators as a result of load - shedding, they are being asked to pay more
taxes on fuel . This would increase the cost of production .
We strongly believe that that this tax measure is unwarranted. If the deep seated waste and reported corruption in payroll administration
is corrected swiftly, enough savings could accrue to the budget and this tax measure could have been avoided . If the leakages are
not plugged, then no amount of tax increases would solve the problem .” , he said.
Dr . Bawumia also touched on the taxes imposed on the financial and real estate sectors as examples to show how the government had totally gotten it wrong in their
approach to correcting the mess they have created.
“ In the 2014 budget the Government pushed through against sound arguments to the
contrary , a VAT on fee - based financial services . The confusion surrounding its implementation resulted in the withdrawal of
the policy measure . In their desperation to raise tax revenues, the 2015 budget states that
this VAT on fee -based financial services will be implemented . This is a bad policy for the economy. Ghana ’s financial system is
underdeveloped with only some 20% of the population having a Bank account . What the
government should rather be doing is providing some incentives for financial inclusion. The introduction of VAT on fee -based
financial services would only serve to drive people away from the banking system with the
attendant reduction in financial savings. It will also increase the cost of doing business for the
business community .” , he said .
Touching on the Real Estate sector, Dr. Bawumia noted “ Some statistics on the property market in Ghana would be instructive
in placing this VAT on real estate transactions in context. First, Ghana currently has the highest mortgage to income ratio (at 605%) in the world . In terms of House Price to Income ratio , Ghana is the 10 th highest in the world.
In terms of housing affordability, Ghana ranks as the least affordable property market in the
world . Given these facts, it is clear that the real estate industry in Ghana needs help. Government should rather be trying to
encourage the development of the mortgage market through tax incentives for real estate
developers and better land administration. A 5 % VAT on real estate transactions is the
wrong way to go . ”

Shatta Wale ft Samini "We are the best". Update: 22 - Nov - 2014.

A source close to both dancehall artist claims that they ( Shatta Wale and Samini) are in the studio working on a new single titled "we are the best".
We are doing our best to contact the managers of both artist to confirm the story.
Stay tune for more updates.....

My bum and breasts are natural, says Peace Hyde Update: 22 - Nov - 2014

People’s favorite socialite/celeb, Peace Hyde, known mostly for her super endowed body has come out to clear the air about rumours that
she has pumped more fat into her behind and frontal views.
When asked by Graphic Showbiz as to why she has all that power, she humbly said and we quote;
“I know I am well-endowed but I don’t know why anyone should think I have done boobs and bums job. I have had people walk up to
me to ask why I have such big breasts and buttocks and whether I have done boobs and bums job.
All I tell them is my body is natural and not artificial.
I used to be very big some years ago; I had big buttocks and breast but with regular exercise I
have reduced in size and I like the way I look now.” So we guess ya’ll can cover your face in shame
now as they all are natural

Prez Mahama Dissolves NACOB Board Over Cocaine Saga Updated: 22 -Nov -2014

President John Dramani Mahama has dissolved the governing board of the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB ).
In a rather terse statement from the Chief of Staff , Mr Prosper Bani, Saturday morning , government simply said further details " will
follow in due course " . It is unclear if the decision to dissolve the
board charged with preventing the use , import , and export of narcotics , was linked to the busting of a Ghanaian woman , Nayele Ametefeh , at the Heathrow Airport for brazenly attempting to traffick cocaine.
NACOB had stated in a statement to the media, that Ms . Ametefe was arrested on the 10 th of
November , 2014 , through its collaborative effort with its British partners . The agency tasked with the formulation and enforcement of narcotics laws in the country
further indicated in the statement that Ametefeh travelled on an Austrian passport and not with a Ghanaian diplomatic passport .
But the UK High Commission to Ghana in a statement issued on 21 st November , expressed
doubts over the NACOB's involvement in the arrest of Nayele Ametefe and discounted claims that the Ghanaian lady was apprehended due to the collaborative efforts of the two
countries . The statement categorically stated that “UK
authorities had no prior knowledge of the intentions of Ms Nayele Ametefeh before flying from Accra to London on 9 / 10 November ”
with about 12kg of cocaine in her hand luggage.

IMF behind 17 . 5 % Petroleum Tax – TUC Updated: 22 -Nov -2014

The Trades Union Congress ( TUC) is accusing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of
masterminding the controversial 17 .5 % Special Petroleum Tax that was approved by Parliament on Wednesday. Speaking on Eyewitness News on Friday , the
Deputy Secretary General of the TUC, Dr Yaw Baah said , “We find it extremely surprising that government will allow the IMF to dictate to them and say impose VAT on petroleum products. ”
He said we “…have a situation, where we are struggling and you have a government impose
VAT on petroleum products when we are already crying. VAT is regressive and so progressive countries don’t really duel so much
on it . That is why we should not allow the IMF to dictate to us.”
Dr Baah also described the “ decision to move from Senchi to IMF” as “very unfortunate . ”
“ You are running a country and you have stakeholders and you brought all of us together and we all agreed that this is the path that we want to take. Even if you want to do U -turn you consult, you don’ t just go ahead and say you are going to IMF it doesn’ t matter what
anyone will say ,” he fumed .
The IMF in a release endorsed the nation ’s 2015 budget saying it contained the plan to reduce the country’ s fiscal deficit and properly
manage government ’s finances .
But Dr Baah said they are not surprised that the IMF has endorsed the budget saying “of
course IMF will be happy to see such a budget …because the budget reflects the IMF
tradition. ” He however chastised government for seeking assistance from the IMF despite revenues being raked from the oil sector .
He said, “ What we need now in Ghana is not more money because we have got more money . If you compare the money we have
now to ten years or two years ago the economy is growing, we are having more money . The problem is how to manage the money that we have that is why we should not allow the IMF to dictate to us.”

Bawumia: NPP borrowed $5.5bn in 8yrs, NDC $27bn in 6yrs Update: 18 - Nov - 2014.

The Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has warned that to allow the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to stay one day in office beyond the eight years would be a major tragedy for the future of Ghana.
He said “the stakes are high for our country in 2016 because of what is happening to the economy” and change must happen come the
next general elections.
Addressing a fundraising dinner held in his honour in London, United Kingdom, last Friday, Dr Bawumia lamented, “There’s
suffering in the land. Needless, untold sufferings…”
He defined the sum total of the leadership of John Mahama to “Corruption Mismanagement
= Wahala”. He also criticised President Mahama of reducing the essence of governance to
“borrowing” recklessly and “taxing” ruthlessly, including putting taxes on a commodity like condom. The respected economist used
comparative figures to show how low the country has sunk since the NPP was voted out of power in December 2008 and called for an
electoral end to the eight years of negative experiment and experience under the NDC.
Backing his claims with facts and figures, he stated that an unprecedented amount of
money has been spent since 2009 under the National Democratic Congress and with very little to show for it as the NDC comes to the
end of its second successive term in office in 2016.
“In the last six years, the NDC has borrowed US$27 billion. Before that, we, the NPP, borrowed a total of US$5.5 billion in eight
years. Compare that to the NDC borrowing $27 billion in six years and ask yourself what they
have done with all that money,” the running mate to Nana Akufo-Addo said.
He said, though a lot more money has been spent, it is a paradox of economic management that this level of excessive spending has only led to greater hardships
being visited on the people.
“NDC inherited a public debt stock of GHS9.5 billion in 2009,” the former Deputy Governor of the central bank said. “Today, Ghana’s debt has gone up to GHS65.7 billion. So when I say the stakes are high I am talking about the
destiny of our country, Ghana, the future of the youth.”
“The NDC has been taxing everything, including condoms and cutlasses. In terms of resources,
this NDC government has had more resources than any other government. We did not have
oil. Yet, Ghanaians know what we did with the limited resources we had. We spent money responsibly to create the NHIS, introduce
Capitation Grant, expand access to education, we spent wisely on infrastructure and built more roads than any other government,” he said.

Dede Ayew suffers thigh injury ahead of Togo clash Update: 16 - Nov - 2014

Ghana midfielder Andre Ayew is doubtful for Wednesday’s crucial 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Togo after suffering a thigh injury on Saturday. The Marseille playmaker was taken off in the second half of the match against Uganda in
Kampala as the Black Stars went down 1-0. Ayew says he suffered the injury at the start of the game but managed to play through the
pain barrier. “I had felt a tear in my thigh at the beginning of the game and managed to hold on for a
while even though I was not a 100 per cent,” Ayew told the media.
Ghana doctors will monitor his progress in the coming hours to determine if he will play against Togo in Tamale on Wednesday.
The Black Stars must get at least a draw in the match to secure qualification for the tournament in Equatorial Guinea.
Ayew will be key if the Black Stars are to achieve that dream of sealing the qualification

Ex - Prez Rawlings Loses Only Brother Updated: 16 -Nov -2014

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has lost his only brother , Mr . Isaac Newton Nii Lante Addy , a former chief scout who passed away on Friday , November 7 , 2014 at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra after a short illness .
He was 76 and until his death was the Vice Chairman of the Africa Scout Foundation , the Board Chairman of Prestmecom Limited and a consultant to the Happy Kids School , having helped organise activities and the growth of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Family sources say he will be buried at the Gethsemane Memorial Garden , Shiashie , Accra,
on Friday , November 21, 2014 after Burial Service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Independence Avenue, Accra at
9 am . “ The body will however lie in state at the church from 6 am to 8 . 30am , to be followed after interment with final funeral rites at the forecourt of the State House .”
Born on June 4 , 1938 in Keta in the Volta Region to the late Thomas Alton Addy and
Madam Victoria Betty Agboutui, Isaac Newton Addy was baptized a Catholic with his brother Jerry John Rawlings at the Holy Spirit Cathedral .
Family sources fondly describe him as a thorough teacher, an all- round and disciplined scout, and a diligent manager and faithful worker who rose through the ranks from a Patrol leader to a Group leader in the Scout Movement, becoming a Deputy Chief
Commissioner and then a Chief Commissioner. For over 10 years Isaac Newton Nii Addy served as Chief Commissioner and also served two terms of four years as the President of the West Africa Scout Zone and was awarded the
prestigious African Elephant award, the highest award in Scouting in Africa with the late South African president and global peace icon,
Nelson Mandela as one of the few to have been honoured with the award .

Mahama, NDC “stealing” from the state – Agyepong. Update: 16 - Nov - 2014.

Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyepong has accused President John Mahama and members of his government of
stealing from the state. According to him, the only agenda of the
government is to plunder the state of every resource. “The situation in Ghana is so disgusting and appalling, you ask yourself if really there are leaders in the country.”
“President Mahama and the NDC, their idea of governance is stealing; everybody is stealing.
They are embezzling state funds as if there is no tomorrow,” the outspoken MP told the US-based Sahara TV in an interview.
In his view, the Mahama administration has run out of ideas and strategies to govern the country. He said Ghanaians must view the current economic conditions in the country as a
punishment for voting for the NDC
government.

Samini launches “MTN Saminifest”. Update: 15 - Nov - 2014

MOBO award-winning artiste Samini has officially launched the first edition of Saminifest, an annual musical festival that
seeks to bring together music lovers, particularly numerous fans all over the world, to celebrate his astounding works and also showcasing class-act performances from leading Ghanaian artistes.
The dancehall artiste at the launch of the event said the event, Saminifest has come to stay. Today, I am here to brief you about an
important milestone in my life, a story that chronicles a journey from Music, Giving Back to Society and Doing Business as an Entrepreneur. Permit me to start with a little background, before coming back to our reason for gathering here this morning. Ten years ago, then a young boy, I set out to follow my passion and dream in Music. I was duly supported by a family and Mother who earned a living selling PITO, a local beverage I secretly refer to as Prosperity Inspired Through Talent Ordination [smile]- The ordination here presupposes God has been
good to us.It’s been a great journey from the days of Ashanti International to Samini Music/
HighGradeFamily; and from Batman to Samini. From Hiplife, Hi-life to helping shape the most
popular genre in Ghanaian music today-Dancehall.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you an annual musical festival that seeks to bring together music lovers, particularly my fans all
over the world, to celebrate my astounding works and also showcasing class-act performances from leading Ghanaian artistes.
It is called the “MTN Saminifest 2014?. The four-day event which kicks off on
December 3 will be climaxed with a mega
concert at the Trade Fair Center in Accra on
December 6.
Dec 3- Industry Workshop on Financial Planning at Dancestardom
Dec 4- A Photo and Video Exhibition at Dancestardom
Dec 5- African Market Day- FoodFest& Pre-
party @ Dancestardom
Dec 6- Saminfest Live (Main Concert) @ Trade Fair
Artistes billed for 2014 MTN Saminifest are
VVIP, Obrafour, 4X4, KK Fosu, Kokoveli, Stonebwoy, Kaakie, R2bees, Episode, Kofi Kinaata, Edem, Guru, MzVee, Paapa Yankson, Noble Nketiah, Jupitar, Koo Ntakara and many.others.
Celebrities present at the launch of 2014 MTN Saminfest were Obrafour, VVIP, Noble Nketia,
Kwaw Kese, Kaakie, Kofi Kinaata, Yaa Pono,
Episode, JMJ and others.

Ban On Public Smoking To Begin Updated: 15 -Nov -2014

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) , has affirmed that the ban on public smoking would be enforced soon . The Authority says it intend to organise intensive training programme on the Public
Health Act 2002 , Act 851 ( 6 ), for the security agencies , judiciary and other key institutions to
position them well for the rigid enforcement of the ban.
Mr Daniel Nti , a Regulatory Officer, at the Brong -Ahafo Regional Office of the Authority said this at the closing session of a 10- day training course for members of the Regional branch of the Ghana Progressive Hotels Association in Sunyani. It was organised by the Association in collaboration with Oasis Management Limited ,
a consultancy firm, and sponsored by the sponsored by the Skill Development Fund of the Council for Technical and Vocational
Education and Training (COTVET ).
The course was aimed at empowering the participants on safety rules in the hospitality
industry , and also help them to strictly adhere to standards in their work .
Mr Nti explained that since the passage of the Public Health Act , the Authority with support from other partners had engaged in continuous education on especially part six of the Act to sensitise the public. He emphasised that though education on the ban is still on- going some people continue to
smoke in public places warning that any person who are caught would be prosecuted.
Mr Nti said offenders are liable to a fine of not more than 750 penalty units or not more than
three years imprisonment or both .
He said according to the law it is an offence to sell tobacco product to persons below 18 years.
Mr Nti said FDA would soon embark on an exercise to inspect whether traders and retailers in tobacco business are adhering to
laid down guidelines . Traders or retailers who breach any provision
in the Act in the course of their business would also be arrested and prosecuted , he said.
Mr Charles Adu- Gyamfi, First National Vice President , of Ghana Progressive Hotels Association , expressed the need to for such
courses to be organised periodically for members of the Association to enable them strictly adhere to best cooking practices.
Mr Paul Bismark Gyasi, Regional Chairman of the Association commended the COTVET for the support and entreated participants to take advantage of the training to upgrade themselves.

‘Ghana Armed Forces need funds urgently. Update: 16 - Nov - 2014'

Dr Benjamin Kunbuor, Minister of Defence, on Friday appealed to the Ministry of Finance to as a matter of urgency release funds to solve
the numerous challenges facing the Ghana Armed Forces.
He noted that conditions at some of the military barracks in the country are not the
best and something ought to be done immediately.
Dr Kunbuor was addressing officers and men of the Third Battalion of Infantry (3BN) at the Sunyani liberation barracks as part of his
working visits to some garrisons in the country. The Minister of Defence spoke about the poor
sewage systems and access roads, obsolete logistics, and poor accommodation after touring the liberation barracks. Lieutenant Colonel Edward Awaribey,
Commanding Officer of the 3BN, who conducted the Defence Minister round some projects at the barracks, expressed optimism
that the poor sewage system at the garrison would be addressed as soon as possible.

NDC Regional Elections : Allotey Jacobs, Ade Coker , Others Win Updated: 15 -Nov -2014

Bernard Allotey Jacobs, has been elected as the new Central Regional Chairman of the ruling
National Democratic Congress (NDC ). Allotey Jacobs who was the former Director of Communications in the Central Region beat the
incumbent, Samuel Adu Yeboah by 127 votes. Samuel Ahianyo won the Regional Secretary position contest. Meanwhile, Joseph Ade Coker, Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the NDC has retained his seat by 157 votes while his closest contender , Daniel Amartey polled 103 votes. Henry Manly -Spain and Steven Akwetey polled
22 and 52 votes respectively .
Still in Greater Accra Region , Anthony Nukpenu and Alhaji Yahaya Kundow retained their seat as the Regional Organiser and Treasurer respectively . The Regional Secretary position was won by Victor Quarshie and the Assistant Secretary position went to Patricia Addy . The Propaganda Secretary position went to Jerry Johnson and his deputy will be Francis Nartey .

Robbers Break Into Asiedu Nketia ’s House Updated: 14 -Nov -2014

Robbers broke into the Oyarifa residence of the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC ), Johnson Asiedu
Nketia , Friday dawn. The robbers took away mobile phones, a
laptop and a bag containing unspecified amount of valuables.
The Greater Accra Regional Police command has confirmed the robbery .“ We have begun
investigations to find out those who were behind the crime but the police investigation indicated that the house was too opened to the
general public because they have access to the place 24 hours to fetch water from the house and that has a lot of security implications, ” the Public Relations Officer of the Greater Accra Regional Police Command ASP Afia Tenge told Accra- based Citi FM .
The robbers also made away with a CCTV monitor and recorder. The thieves cut part of the wiring of the back wall of the house and the burglar proof of the living room to gain access.

APOSTLE KWADWO SAFO AND KANTANKA GROUP HONOURED AT EAGLES SUMMIT AFRICA

The Kantanka Automobile Group has been adjudged "Innovative Company of the Year" at the Eagles Summit Africa 2014. Its Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo was also adjudged Trend Setter of the Year.
Dr. Sarfo is recognized for contributing to the rise of Africa as a contemporary man through
technological innovation; among them the Kantanka range of vehicles. The event was held on the theme: Africa's Rise, the Role of a Contemporary African at
the Zenith University College Saturday, November 1.
The citation accompanying the award to the Kantanka Group read: “As a legend in entrepreneurial activities on the continent, the Kantanka Group has led and pioneered lots of innovative works in the various sectors with distinction. The technological
advancement being displayed by this company is very laudable and a great achievement not for the company alone but the continent at
large. We believe this will go a long way to open more doors for investors and young innovators and through this. Africa is really
proud of the Kantanka Group and we hope to continue witnessing the excellence you have being demonstrating. Congratulations”.
Kwadwo Safo Jnr. collected the Award on behalf of his father.

I Wonder If Mahama Will Go To Heaven. . . Updated: 13 -Nov -2014

As president of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama , enjoys unfettered travel privileges and his latest visit to The Vatican to
interact with the Pope , clearly indicates that he would be accepted in places where the
ordinary would find it practically impossible to go . Despite these privileges our constitution
guarantees him, Ashanti Regional Chairman for the New Patriotic Party, Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, doubts if President Mahama would
be accepted in Heaven. In an interview with talkofgh.com the
NPP stalwart suggested that President Mahama should have openly confessed his sins to Pope
Francis when he got the chance to meet him before returning to Ghana. “ We can’t even fight cholera but I am sure he was telling the Pope we have strategically prepared to oust almighty Ebola in Ghana. I only pray he told the Pope what his
administration have been using the numerous loans for and how they have messed everything
by making life unbearable for Ghanaians ,” he stated .
Mr . Antwi-Boasiako further indicated that President Mahama ’s list of broken promises makes it easier for him to believe that even
before the man of God, he lied about everything they talked about . “ He is the only.president who is always being economically when it comes to telling the truth ,” he added. Mr . Bernard Antwi-Boasiako popularly known as Chairman ‘Wontumi’ also noted that failure on the part of the president to ask the Pope to
pray for his “ corrupt ministers” shows that he wants them to die in their sins and miss the opportunity to make it to Heaven . “ President Mahama knows he might not be
able to make it to heaven when the angels sound their trumpet . He wants his ministers to follow him to wherever he is going to be and this was why he refused to disclose what he and his ministers have been doing when he met
the Pope . He continues to lie about the state of Ghana when he meets foreign nationals” , he said.

A Leader Without Wisdom Brings Chaos – Mensa Otabil Updated: 10 -Nov -2014

General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC ) , Pastor Mensa Otabil has underscored the need for people in leadership positions to seek wisdom . In his view, it is a calamity of life to be positional powerful but bereft of wisdom.
“ Wisdom brings about rulership , riches and righteousness . It is calamity to be in a place of
leadership and not have wisdom” he noted. Pastor Otabil made the comment while delivering a sermon Sunday on the theme
“ Wisdom Part 3 ” .Citing the father as the head of the family as an example , the renowned preacher said the children will be doomed if
the father lacks wisdom. “ When you are a father , head of a family and you have no wisdom, you cause chaos in the life of you children” .“ When you are a leader in any form of life , a teacher without wisdom is going to disturb the confidence of the pupil ”. Pastor Otabil also chastised parents who curse their children instead of motivating them to
choose the right path in life. “ There are parents who are in leadership but run their homes with foolishness and create mayhem in their children ” he stressed .

Three Times Sex Dosage A Week Is The Best - Doctor Updated: 10 -Nov -2014

Chief Executive Officer of Champion Divine Clinic (CDC) , Dr. Kwaku Frimpong says having sex 3 times in a week is the best way to go in fulfilling a healthy sex life stressing having sexual intercourse five times a week puts a strain on the body and weakens the potency of sperms.
According to Dr. Frimpong , the increasing number of childlessness and its attendant divorce cases bear testimony that Ghanaians
must take their reproductive life serious and adopt healthy life choices to safeguard the continuous production of off - springs. The CDC executive also disclosed that excessive alcohol intake, hepatitis B cases, spiritual
attacks and personal errors all can lead to bareness or impotency. He urged citizens especially males to consume more carrots to help boost the sperm count adding that although the work of pastors and
other spiritualist in breaking curses and warding off spiritual attacks is commendable there is need for medical attention to be sought to make the healing whole .              Dr . Kwaku Frimpong noted for a male to be able to bear children he must have a sperm count of 45 million adding that infections have
been found to inhibit males who love to bear children . He called on such people to seek medical help
from centres with proven track records cautioning that whiles all doctors are potentially good it is the diagnosis and efficacy of drugs they prescribe which makes one stand out from the crowd .
Dr . Frimpong advised the youth as well as oldies to avoid taking alcoholic beverages disguised as aphrodisiacs to limit the harm
such concoctions will have on their hearts , liver and kidneys.

CJ, Speaker have been "constitutionally lawless" - Baako. Update: 08 - Nov - 2014

Political pundit Kweku Baako Jr has accused the Chief Justice and Speaker of Parliament of dabbling in “constitutional lawlessness.”
The New Crusading Guide Editor-in-Chief told Joy FM’s Newsfile programme Saturday that the arbitrary decision taken by the two
constitutional figures against swearing the Speaker in as acting president in the stead of the President and the Vice President – who are both out of the country – was not right. “They must offer an explanation and apology because they had no business” doing what they did, Baako told Samson Lardi Ayenini on the programme.
As far as he is concerned, the Speaker “usurped authority without any constitutional basis.”
Edward Doe Adjaho, within this week, acted in the President’s stead twice, without freshly
subscribing to the oath of the presidency. He argued that his September 19, 2013 subscription to the same oath administered by
Chief Justice Georgina Wood, when both the President and the Vice President were out of the country, still held sway, thus unnecessary
for him to be sworn in afresh. That
interpretation was reportedly reached after consultations between the Chief Justice and
Speaker. President Mahama travelled to Burkina Faso Wednesday while his vice Kwesi Amissah-Arthur was also in India on an official visit. He returned home shortly and then took off to
Nigeria Friday. Mahama is also billed to travel to the Vatican
Sunday. All these travels come on the heels of an earlier two-week sojourn to the UK and Denmark.
According Article 60 (11) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution: “Where the President and the Vice-President are both unable to perform the
functions of the President, the Speaker of Parliament shall perform those functions until
the President or the Vice-President is able to perform those functions or a new President assumes office, as the case may be.” Also Article 60(12) of the Constitution states
that: “The Speaker shall, before commencing to perform the functions of the President under
clause (11) of this article, take and subscribe the oath set out in relation to the office of the
President.” Some Lawyers, including Kwame Akuffo, have
argued that the Speaker committed treason when he held himself as acting president
without taking the presidential oath of office, and must be impeached.

Stonebwoy Dares Shatta Wale Updated: 07 -Nov -2014

Popular dancehall artiste , Shatta Wale may be biting more than he can chew after setting his eyes on a new target for what some
entertainment commentaries refer to as, his favourite past- time – “rival -bashing ”. His new target , Ashaiman -based dancehall
sensation , Stonebwoy , has dared the Shatta Movement King to call him (Stonebwoy ) by name and unambiguously direct his
insinuations of plagiarism against his person and music. ‘Burniton 's dare comes days after the ‘Dancehall King ’ released a new video in which he attacked Stonebwoy for “ stealing” his
friend , Rashid Metal’s ‘Baafira ’ song . In Shatta Wale ’s words…“ Me the Baafira, Baafira make nobody try take the title cos e be
Rashi Metal wey I dey hear from am . The boy be my youth, straight from Tankase line so make nobody try like he wan use the Baafira;
make we give people chance make den do dema thing . I hear say some Artiste wan claim he bring the Baafira, herh herh if you bring
your Baafira come, herh, herh , herh, don’ t do that e be wanna language.” In a response to Shatta ’s veiled swipe at him, Stonebwoy said the ‘Dancehall King ’ is only
trying to remain relevant to his fans by doing what he knows to do best. “… He would want to stay relevant in the system because we all know that he is one of the Artistes who made it onto the scene hugely by propaganda and then all sort of negative influence. For a guy like him, I don ’t blame
him, he will continue to be smart to feed that ego so that he keeps relevance ,” he said in an interview with Eboo , host of Green lounge
Empire FM’ s Saturday afternoon entertainment programme .
The “Ghetto Love ” hit maker also advised Shatta Wale to be brave enough to address issue head - on.
“… Exactly, he is referring to me but cowardly enough he hasn’ t still mentioned my name so
why would I take it personal you understand? If you are starting the fight and you want to really refer to somebody and you are brave,
yo , you just have to say my guy this is to you .” “ Although indirectly he is referring to me , I’ m
supposed to be wise because I don’ t find my name in there. He is just trying to be smart to create wave to feed the original image he has brought on himself. It is no news to Ghana that Shatta is that kind of Artiste who has some kind of negativity around him,” he noted. He added that he is now well- known because he made " good music ". " That is why I came on the scene not because I
insulted anybody or started beefing, so the masses respect me for the fact that if they want good music and intelligent music , they
can always turn to Stonebwoy” .
He , however, said he will not be swayed into releasing a reprisal video. “ I think he has not gotten to that extreme that he requires my reply but if he tries , ah ah ah
ah , me and Ashaiman we will not wait for one second” , he threatened.

Parliament imports more furniture from Italy. Update: 07 - Nov - 2014

Just days after parliamentarians received heavy criticism for importing furniture from China to
refurbish their chamber, it has emerged that Parliament is importing more from Italy for
their offices. Local furniture companies have criticized
government for ignoring them to import what they describe as “inferior” chairs and tables
from China. The speaker of Parliament, Edward Doe Adjaho
has revealed that “some Members of Leadership and MPs, as well as Members of the Technical Team traveled to Italy to inspect and
confirm various facilities and units of furniture.” This was contained in his opening remarks when Parliament reconvened on Tuesday.
The Speaker of Parliament said six MPs traveled to inspect the furniture “prior to their being shipped to Ghana.” The MPs are Hajia Mary Boforo (Deputy Majority Whip), Irene Naa – Torshie Addo
(Deputy Minority Whip) and Emmanuel Bedzrah, MP for Ho West. The rest are David Oppon Kusi, MP for Ofoase-Ayirebi Constituency, Kofi Safo-Duodu, and
Ebenezer Dzietror.
Some Minority Members of Parliament have criticised the leadership of the House for
ignoring President Mahama’s campaign to promote made-in-Ghana goods. Responding to the criticism, leadership of Parliament has explained that it imported
furniture from China because it was impossible for a local company to produce the over 300 furniture pieces within a limited time.
The Deputy Majority Leader in Parliament, Alfred Kwame Agbesi stressed that Parliament in no way ignored the President’s directive to
patronize made in Ghana products.
“We needed over 300 chairs and 300 tables before resuming sitting and now which furniture company in Ghana would have given us this quantity of furniture within this short time?” he asked. Meanwhile, Trade and Industry Minister, Ekow
Spio Gabrah on Thursday launched a Made-in-Ghana Fair on Thursday in Accra.

Former Chelsea Boss Avram Grant Is New Black Stars Coach Updated: 07 -Nov -2014

Former Chelsea boss Avram Grant will become the new coach of Ghana according to the Ghana Football Association subject to the
agreement of financial terms.
The announcement brings to an end a two month search that at times bordered on the incompetent after the withdrawal of favourite Patrick Kluivert and the denial of German Bernd Schuster that he had even applied for the job .
GFA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi made the
announcement . " The executive considered a report of the
committee that was put up by the three member committee to appoint the new coachgfor Ghana ," FA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi said.
" Our preference is Avram Grant and Jimenez is our second choice . We have not reached agreement with him yet but it is left with some
small details which will be sorted out soon ."Grant' s appointment will be completed after a financial agreement is reached with the man
who led Chelsea to the finals of the Champions League in 2008 and is now a technical director in Thailand . The GFA also confirmed that if an agreement
proved difficult, it would fall on Juan Ignacio Jimenez to take over the job . Grant will face a hard task as he looks to rebuild a national team recovering from an embarrassing World Cup and will have his first hurdle as the AFCON in Morocco in January.

Obrafour says “Ghanaian music is gradually losing its identity” Update: 07 - Nov - 2014

A veteran hiplife artist, Kwabena Otchere Darko known in showbiz as Obrafour, has expressed worry over what he termed the swift
perishing of Ghanaian traditions and cultural values in our music.
Obrafour in an exclusive interview with Dj Sly on Ark Fm over the weekend said “change is good but the change should be such that our
foundations remain original since change is the law of nature”.
He said Ghana music is gradually losing its sense of identity and belonging as compare to the previous years. “I sometimes get worried about the trend of
our music because most musicians nowadays do not recognize and consider the traditions and cultural values of our homeland in their
content which is gradually killing our identity as Ghanaians”
When asked about how he feels when the he sees the younger generation going astray with
the music content, he advice that they should always remember where they come from and their background because music is a powerful tool that can sell our culture and traditions to the outside world.
“Music is a powerful tool which brings change to the individual and the nation at large, so just as we always yearn for good and healthy food for our body, so must we give the best of satisfaction to the soul because music is the
food of the soul”. The “Odasani” hitmaker has again advice the
youth that, music has taken a lot of twist and turns over the years which has put the Ghanaian music on the high ladder making it
possible to rock shoulders with the foreign music so they should preach through their music by given the right message the audience.

NDC Elections Hit Snag Again Updated: 07 -Nov -2014

The upcoming Northern regional executive elections of the ruling National Democratic Congress has hit a snag as a Tamale High Court
places an injunction on the polls which was scheduled for Saturday.
A disqualified secretary aspirant , Mohammed Aliu and one other sued the party for what they say , is an unfair treatment meted out to
them by the party’s General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia .
They are accusing Nketia of deliberately targeting candidates he perceives to be loyal to
former President Rawlings . This is the second time the party has been
sued over its internal elections.
Months ago, another aggrieved candidate , Linus Njolonah also sued the party, claiming that some of its electoral laws have been
skewed to disadvantage new candidates. The matter was later settled out of court.

Mahama must seek spiritual renewal at Vatican - Isaac Osei. Update: 07 - Nov - 2014

New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Subin, Isaac Osei has sarcastically described as good news President Mahama’s state visit to Vatican. According to
him, there is no better place for the president to seek divine intervention than the holy land
where the Pope resides. This was after the Speaker of Parliament;
Edward Doe Adjaho on Thursday announced the president’s visit on the floor of the House. President Mahama will leave Accra Sunday to
the Vatican City on an official visit and will return on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 but
the letter did not state whether he would visit the Pope. The trip is in spite of concerns raised by many
including MPs about the incessant travels by President Mahama at the expense of suffering masses.
But Isaac Osei on Accra based radio station Oman FM, said the Vatican visit is a good omen for Ghana. He indicated that given the worsening socio-economic hardships in the country and the
unbridled in government, President Mahama should take the opportunity to “seek spiritual
renewal”. The Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament believes divine intervention is the only way the Mahama-led administration can survive until 2016. “President Mahama must seek spiritual renew
to impact positively in his administration to enable him fulfill the Better Ghana Agenda promise he made to Ghanaians,” Isaac Osei
scoffed.

MP lodges complaint over “China Chairs”. Update: 07 - Nov - 2014

Member of Parliament for Juaboso in the Western region, Kwabena Minta Akando, has lodge a formal complaint to the leadership of
Parliament about the new furniture in the chamber.
According to him, he feels very uncomfortable in his chair because “it will be difficult for me to catch the Speakers eye to contribute to
discussions on the floor of the House". “I feel highly uncomfortable in my chair; I
think they are executive chairs meant for an office so they should send it to the offices in Job 600 and bring back the old chairs". Kwabena Minta Akando’s sentiments support similar concerns raised by MPs about the 300 pieces of furniture imported from China. The MPs were outraged and questioned the
durability of the luxurious chairs and tables when it started breaking. Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Thursday, the Juaboso MP
expressed disappointment in the new furnishing. He noted that due to the size of the chair, it occupies a lot of space thus makes it difficult
to move around in Parliament.
“The chair is so low that when you sit you can’t see the person in front or back and I can’t imagine myself in such situation,” he added.
Kwabena Minta Akando called on the Parliamentary Service Board to, as a matter of urgency, give further and better particulars on the issue.
He also criticized the leadership of the House for neglecting local furniture manufacturers in
the country. “We have very good wood manufacturers in the country so I don’t know why they went to
China. The old chairs were made in Ghana and are still durable,” he stated.

GH ¢ 60 Million For This " Hy3 n Hy3 n Kwa" & "Luxurious " Parliament Chairs? - NPP MP Queries Updated: 06 -Nov -2014

Ghana ’s Parliament seems to have been touched by Midas, but some Members of the House , have come out to lament bitterly about
the refurbishment works that have taken place in the august House .
Member of Parliament for Okaikwei South , Hon . Ahmed Arthur , described the modernization of the chamber as ‘hy3 nhy3 nkwa’ to wit a “white elephant ” project that won ’t last for long despite government ’s
decision to fork out GH ¢ 60 million to a foreign company. “ Before the project started, we were told it
would cost us GH¢ 16 million but now we have been made to understand it is GH ¢ 60 million”,
he said. As professional local furniture maker , the legislator disclosed on Peace FM ’s midday news that he doubts the durability of the chairs and tables which has been fitted into the chamber.
He claims that the “ poorly made” chairs looked too luxurious for any serious minded legislators and could render them lazy in the
cause of performing their duties .
“ The works that have gone on in parliament looks flashy, but there are issues to do with the durability of the items fixed in the house” ,
he said. Aside this, Hon . Arthur is of the opinion that government could have contracted a local
manufacturer to produce the chairs and tables for the house rather than awarding it to a
foreign company. “ Following the renovation that has taken place
in the house, there is now no space in the house as we were made to understand before
the exercise commenced . The setting of the house doesn’t make us feel like serious people . We went on break for almost three months so any one would have
thought local companies like Agowa or any other local furniture manufacturer would have been given the opportunity to undertake the project. ” He argues that if government had awarded the
contract to a local manufacturer , the proceeds would have even benefitted the nation .

Spio slams Parliament over “China furniture”. Update: 06 - Nov - 2014

Minister of Trade and Industry Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah says he warned Parliament against their decision to import furniture during the latter stages of the refurbishment process but
they simply ignored his advice.
“I said even at [my] vetting that they could have given it to the consortium of furniture makers to supply it in various ways.” Speaking to journalists in Accra on Wednesday, November 5, Dr Spio-Garbrah said a Parliament of Ghana with furniture from a
foreign nation does not speak well of the country. “It may be simply due to the fact that most of
us in our private lives...do not think about consciously choosing made-in-Ghana goods when we are undertaking any procurement,”
he said. Parliament returned from recess on Tuesday to a newly refurbished chamber, which has its
chairs imported from China. Computer consoles have also been fixed for each of the 275 Members while the dispatch boxes for ministers who appear before the
House have been cut to size.
The imported products have attracted criticism from a section of the public who think Ghanaian firms could have provided some of
them. Dr Spio-Garbrah criticised the legislators’ choice, saying: “[they] are not just to pass laws
but they must set examples.”
He said he expects explanation from them over the choice.

Labour Calls Off Strike But .. . Updated: 04 -Nov -2014

The 12 labour unions striking over the management of their tier two pension funds have called off their strike . According to them even though not all the unions were served with the ex parte order,
they are willing to comply with the High Court order which directs them to resume duty. They however warned that "if by one week from today , the dispute is not resolved , we shall resume the strike. ” The workers have been on strike over the refusal of government to allow them decide
who manages their tier two pension funds . The government, after failing to reach a consensus with the labour unions , pleaded the court to ask the workers to go back to work . According to them , their strike is illegal. The court ruled in favour of government last
Friday but the unions said they had not been served and would continue to strike. But at a press conference on Tuesday , the
Forum for Public Sector Registered
Occupational Pension Schemes said they have decided to call off the strike . However, " we want to re -emphasize that the suspension of the strike does not mark the end
of the struggle ... we regret government ’s exercise of bad faith in obtaining an ex parte order on the Forum which was in the public
domain and generating media speculations and malicious press statements but was not served
on the unions and associations until about 5 pm on Monday .. .if by one week from today, the dispute is not resolved , we shall resume the strike ,” PRO of the Forum, Reynolds Ofosu Tenkorang said.

Ghana Needs Akufo -Addo, NDP Chair Declares Updated: 03 -Nov -2014

The National Chairman of the National Democratic Party (NDP) , Dr. Josiah Aryeh, has endorsed the candidacy of Nana Akufo -Addo ,
the 2016 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, pledging the full co -operation of the NDP ahead of the 2016 general election.
According to the NDP Chairman , Ghana is in a “ critical stage ” and is hopeful that under the
leadership of Nana Akufo-Addo , the change Ghanaians are desperately yearning for will
manifest . “ We believe that , in you ( Nana Akufo- Addo ), we
can have the sort of leadership that we need for that change. We are in danger of falling into the pits of kakistocracy and I think that
we here are too level -headed, broad- minded and open -minded to allow these things to go
on ,” Dr. Aryeh said The NDP Chairman was of the firm conviction that Ghanaians , who voted for John Mahama and the NDC in the 2012 election , have
regretted their actions, explaining that “I believe that Ghanaians have learnt each time we go through the electoral cycle . We bear the pain of those we think ought to be there ( leading us) , but aren ’t there and this time round ,
( in 2016 ) we want to make sure that we stand shoulder to shoulder, with all like- minded Ghanaians , to ensure that Ghana gets
the best .” Dr . Aryeh made these remarks when he called on Nana Akufo -Addo , on Monday, November 3 , to congratulate him on his emphatic victory in the NPP presidential primary . Nana Akufo-
Addo won with 94 .35 % of the valid votes cast. He explained to Akufo-Addo that the leader of the NDP , Her Excellency Nana Konadu
Agyemang Rawlings , who was to have led the delegation , was temporarily indisposed. The NDP Chairman was accompanied by Mr .
Hayford Amoako , General Secretary of the party, Mr . Gaisie , Director of Operations of the party, Ernest Owusu Bempah and Ms Yaa
Adusei , both part of the communications team , and Alhaji Frimpong , Director of Research and
Development . Nana Akufo-Addo , on his part , welcomed the message of solidarity and the “outstretched hand of co-operation ” from the NDP , urging that regular meetings and the sharing of ideas should take place, as “we can’t go to sleep and wake up in 2016 to prepare for battle. ”
“ I am sure all of us are clear in our minds that we want the best for this country , a country that has tremendous potential. And if we all
put our shoulders to the wheel in an honest and patriotic manner, we should be able to get a good result for Ghana , in terms of progress of our nation and satisfying the demands of our people for a better life ,” Nana Akufo-Addo said. He continued , “All of us, who see that a much
more proactive and enhanced Ghana is possible , should work together to make it happen. I am not asking people to leave their
parties to join the NPP, but we can definitely collaborate and co-operate to bring about the change in our country . That should be the first thing in the minds of us all.”
Present at the meeting were Mr . John Boadu , NPP National Organiser ; Ms. Otiko Djaba, NPP
National Women ’s Organiser ; Mr . Sammy Awuku , NPP National Youth Organiser; and Dr .Kwame Amoako Tuffuor, a member of the
Party’s National Council.