Posts in category: Other News

The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana has announced a 15% increase in transport fares, effective Monday, July 22.

The association cited the rising cost of fuel as a primary reason for the fare hike, with some oil marketing companies now selling products at prices exceeding GH₵15. 

They added that increased prices of essential items such as spare parts, crucial for the transport business, have further necessitated this decision.

David Agboado, the Public Relations Officer of the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, expressed concerns in an interview with Citi FM on Wednesday, July 17, about the adverse effects these rising costs are having on the transport sector. 

He emphasised that the fare increase is justified given the current economic pressures.

According to Mr Agboado, drivers cannot continue to absorb the escalating fuel prices, which are significantly impacting their earnings. 

The fare increase is seen as a necessary measure to ensure the sustainability of their operations amidst the rising costs.

“We will be increasing transport fares by Monday by 15%. The reason is that fuel prices have gone high. All that we use in servicing our vehicles has gone high. That necessitated the 15% increment.”

“Transport Ministry is not aware and we don’t need to sit with Transport Ministry before we increase our transport fares. We keep saying this,” he stated.

Several oil marketing companies (OMCs) have increased their prices at the pumps with the start of July’s second pricing window.

Shell, one of the leading OMCs, has raised the price of a litre of petrol from GH₵14.80 to GH₵15.10, and a litre of diesel from GH₵14.92 to GH₵15.25. 

More OMCs are expected to follow suit and adjust their prices upward soon.

Source: myjoyonline.com

The Director of Tema Port, Mrs. Sandra Opoku has assured the business community of her outfit’s readiness for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

She indicated the Tema Port is positioned to deliver efficient port services to facilitate and ensure a successful implementation of the agreement which seeks to promote intra-Africa trade.

Mrs. Sandra Poku disclosed this when a business delegation from Kenya paid a visit to the port.

The delegation was acquainted with the operations of the port, received first-hand information on operations, and had the opportunity to discuss trading seamlessly with their Ghanaian counterparts.

It was jointly led by the Chief Executive Officer of Eminence Global of Kenya, Mikaela Mwangura, and the Volta, Oti, and Eastern Regional Chair of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Dela Gadzanku.

Ms. Mwangura indicated that her outfit identifies Ghana as an important trading point in the West African Sub-Region hence the visit to establish partnerships between entrepreneurs from Kenya and Ghana.

She believes both countries have the potential to promote intra-trade on the continent, as envisioned by AfCFTA.

Ms. Mwangura, therefore, requested port authorities in Ghana and Kenya to firm their collaboration to ensure swift freight forwarding between both countries.

Mr. Gadzanku stated that Ghanaians are eager to flood the Kenyan market with finished products and are ready to help their counterparts penetrate the market here in Ghana.

He said the visit was a great eye-opener for the delegation, as it provided an opportunity to strategise to surmount challenges businesses may encounter to ensure smoother trading activities.

The Tema Regional Chair of AGI, Dr. Eddie Akwetey was impressed with the operations of the Tema Port and assured management of the support of AGI in the Tema region to build a strong logistical base for West Africa.

Source: ghanaweb.com

A military officer has been shot dead while two others narrowly escaped death on Tuesday, April 30, during a dispute over land at Millennium City, a community at Kasoa in the Central region.

The incident reportedly occurred when the deceased and his companions confronted some individuals who were working on land they claim is theirs.

The disagreement escalated when attempts to settle the matter at the Millennium City District Police Command proved futile.

According to one Winnebo Ndego, who is said to have facilitated the land transaction, the military officers had purchased the land but faced opposition from a group led by an individual named Fiifi whenever they attempted to develop it.

Despite previous reports to the police, the disagreement remained unresolved.

Upon encountering the occupants on the disputed land, the military officers urged them to cease their activities and accompany them to the police station for mediation.

However, the disagreement persisted, prompting the officers to return to the police station to follow up on their initial complaint.

They were subsequently informed by an officer on duty that their case had been forwarded to the Central East Regional Police Command.

As they proceeded to the Regional Police Command, they were allegedly ordered by one Benlord Ababio, also known as Nana Ben, and who is said to be a sub-chief, to stop following up on the case and when they refused, he allegedly opened fire on their vehicle, a private Toyota  RAV4 car with registration number GR 3591-24, killing one of the soldiers instantly.

One Kofi Asmah, said to be the owner of the construction company involved in the land transaction, voiced concerns about alleged collusion between some police officers and land guards, suggesting a broader issue of corruption within local law enforcement.

Source: myjoyonline.com

Information reaching myjoyonline.com indicates that gospel musician Kofi Owusu Dua Anto, popularly known as KODA, has passed away. Gospel musician, Nii Okai, a friend to KODA confirmed the news to myjoyonline.com.

“KODA has passed onto glory in the early hours of Sunday April 21, 2024. Let us pray for the family as we all process the news of his transition,” he wrote.

Although he did not give further details as to how he died, unconfirmed reports say he died from a sickness he was battling with. He was 46, and left behind a wife and three children.

Kofi Owusu Dua Anto (KODA) was a Ghanaian gospel singer, songwriter, music producer, and multi-instrumentalist who was based in Takoradi in the Western Region of Ghana.

Celebrated as one of the definitive sounds of Ghana’s influential contemporary gospel music, KODA was a multi-award winning artiste passionate about sharing the gospel and helping shape the sound and music direction of others through music production.

He produced music for the likes of the late Danny Nettey, Ps. Joe Beechem, Nii Okai, Halal Afrika, Eugene Zuta, and more. 

KODA’s discography includes 3 studio albums, 2 live albums, and 2 instrumental/ jazz albums. ‘Keteke’ was his 6th vocal album. He is well-known for popular gospel songs such as ‘Nkwaa Abodo’, ‘Nsem Pii’, ‘Adooso’ and ‘Hossana’.

Others are ‘Poma Dadaa’, ‘Amen’ and ‘Zion Song’. 

Source: https://www.myjoyonline.com/

In a significant move to support and empower non-profit organisations (NPOs) in Ghana, AO Holdings, a leading digital transformation solutions provider, has teamed up with Microsoft to introduce a range of innovative solutions tailored specifically for the non-profit sector.

This strategic collaboration aims to enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes, and enable NPOs to focus more on their core missions of creating positive social impact.

AO Holdings, known for its commitment to providing cutting-edge technological solutions, has recognized the unique needs of NPOs and their vital role in Ghanaian society.

By harnessing the power of Microsoft’s extensive suite of tools and applications, AO Holdings aims to equip NPOs with the necessary resources to maximize their effectiveness in serving the community.

One of the key highlights of this collaboration is the implementation of Microsoft’s Cloud for Non-Profits Solution, a comprehensive cloud-based solution that integrates multiple functions critical to NPO operations.

This advanced system offers robust features for managing finances, fundraising, volunteer management, and program tracking, among other key aspects.

By centralising these functions into a unified platform, NPOs can streamline their operations, eliminate redundant processes, and make data-driven decisions to optimize their impact.

Another vital component of the Microsoft NPO Solutions offered by AO Holdings is Office 365 for Non-profits.

This suite of productivity tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook provides NPOs with the necessary digital infrastructure to enhance collaboration, communication, and document management.

Moreover, with the cloud-based storage and sharing capabilities of One Drive, Teams and SharePoint, NPOs can securely access their files from anywhere, enabling remote work and facilitating efficient teamwork.

Recognizing the increasing importance of online presence for NPOs, AO Holdings also offers Microsoft Azure for Non-profits.

Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing platform, allows organizations to build, deploy, and manage applications and services seamlessly.

This solution empowers NPOs to develop their digital infrastructure, enhance online engagement, and leverage data analytics to drive informed decision-making and foster connections with stakeholders.

“We are thrilled to partner with Microsoft to bring their powerful NPO Solutions to the non-profit sector in Ghana,” said Kofi Ako Owiredu, Executive President of AO Holdings.

“With these innovative technologies, NPOs can optimize their operations, amplify their impact, and achieve their noble goals more effectively.”

The collaboration between AO Holdings and Microsoft reflects a shared commitment to leverage technology as a force for positive change in Ghana.

By equipping NPOs with cutting-edge solutions, this partnership aims to bolster their capacity to tackle pressing societal challenges, foster inclusive growth, and transform lives across the nation.

To learn more about the Microsoft NPO Solutions offered by AO Holdings, interested organizations are encouraged to contact AO Holdings directly via +233 545 821 801 / +233 55 261 3529, send email to operations@aoholdings.net or visit their website www.aoholdings.net.

About AO Holdings:

AO Holdings is a prominent digital transformation and technology solution provider based in Ghana, specializing in offering innovative solutions to businesses and organisations across various sectors.

With a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction and technological expertise, AO Holdings aims to empower its clients with the latest advancements in technology to drive growth, success and enable them to achieve more.

Source: www.myjoyonline.com

Mrs. Gertrude Araba Esabaa Torkornoo, a Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana, has been nominated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to become the next Chief Justice of Ghana.

However, her appointment is still subject to approval by Parliament.

If approved, Justice Torkornoo will succeed Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah, who is set to retire on May 24, 2023, as he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70 for justices of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

President Akufo-Addo stated in a letter to the Council of State that Justice Torkornoo has been on the Supreme Court for the last four years and has served in the judiciary for the past nineteen years, making her suitably qualified to perform the duties of Chief Justice.

Justice Torkornoo’s appointment would make her the third female Chief Justice in Ghana’s history, following the footsteps of Justices Georgina Theodora Wood and Sophia Akuffo.

Her appointment would be President Akufo-Addo’s third appointment to the Chief Justice position since he took office in January 2017.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

The National Cathedral of Ghana (NCG) project has a sustainable economic model which is expected to rake in $95m in the first five years of its operation, the Executive Director of the NCG Secretariat, Dr Paul Opoku-Mensah, has said.

The economic model is made up of about 10 revenue streams which include multi-purpose rental spaces, an over 1,000-seater banquet hall, a conference centre, a 350-seater biblical restaurant, a café, shops and theatres.

The rest are its groundbreaking design, a Bible Museum of Africa and a Biblical Gardens of Africa which would help facilitate the development of the country and turn it into a major religious metropolis for African Christianity.

The project includes seven levels – two basement levels and five upper levels, thus, making it the highest civic building in the national capital, Accra, with a height of about 50 metres. The ‘Job 600’ is 45 metres.

As a standalone structure with a Bell Tower, the cathedral will reach nearly 60 metres, making it the largest single building in Accra.

According to the Executive Secretary, the sustainable economic model which would generate income would be implemented progressively to attract global and African visitors, adding “its economic impact analysis has been submitted to Parliament.”

He said other details such as accounting for all the monies paid by the state and the work done so far had also been submitted to Parliament after a thorough briefing session with the select committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism.

Event

Dr Opoku-Mensah said this at the National Cathedral of Ghana Bible Reading Marathon Thanksgiving Service and the celebration of the laying of the foundation for the cathedral in Accra on Monday.

The two-day event which ended on December 30, 2022, was attended by people from all walks of life, and the Holy Bible read for long hours.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Commanders of Security Services, a representative of the Speaker of Parliament and the Chief Justice, all read portions of the Book of Revelations from the Bible.

Dr Opoku-Mensah also said that a team had concluded discussions with some Israeli antiquities authority that would be loaning Ghana some artifacts, adding that “they are willing to make this a long-term loan for us.”

Part of the construction methodology is that the whole structure after the foundation would be made up of steel, the reason he said work could finish before the end of 2024.

Accountability

The executive secretary further said that the secretariat had accounted for every cedi expended on the project and submitted reports to Parliament.

He, therefore, discounted claims by some Members of Parliament that even though the secretariat had received GH¢339m, they could not account for GH¢225m, alleging that GH¢114m was missing.

Dr Opoku-Mensah explained that an amount paid directly to the secretariat was GH¢225m, while GH¢113m was paid directly to consultants and the design team of the project.

He said the money included total payments made to the contractor and total payments made to the Bible Museum and Biblical Gardens design team.

Between them, he said, they had done some of the major works, including the African American Museum, the Bible Museum and the Major Art and Presidential Museum globally.

In the case of the amount paid to the consultants, Dr Opoku-Mensah said he presented the list of all the companies and consultant teams to the Parliamentary sub-committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism on December 15, 2022.

“Sir David Adjaye does not have a contract as an individual architect, but for a set of consultant services involving 15 international engineering firms of which David Adjaye and associates were lead consultants,” the executive secretary said.

Rationale

President Akufo-Addo said the reasons for the construction of the cathedral were partly to thank God for His mercies on the country, including the fact that the nation had been spared any form of war, famine or epidemics since independence.

Secondly, about 71 per cent of citizens adhered to the Christian religion, who are grouped under the various persuasions of the Christian faith, and that the interdenominational national cathedral will, therefore, help to unify the Christian community and also promote unity and social cohesion.

He added that the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision in rejecting a call to nullify the cathedral project laid particular emphasis on its significance to national cohesion.

Thirdly, on a personal note “I made a pledge to Almighty God that if he was gracious enough to grant my party, the New Patriotic Party and I victory in the 2016 elections after two unsuccessful attempts, I will help build the cathedral to His glory and honour.”

“I am determined with your support to redeem this pledge,” he said, adding “just as God prospered Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, I am grateful that He will prosper us and make us succeed in our endeavour.”

The President donated GH¢100,000 towards the construction of the cathedral, while the First Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Rev.Dr. Samuel Asante-Antwi, also donated GH¢10,000, which was presented by his wife, Comfort Asante-Antwi.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

Passengers originating from China will be required to undergo free mandatory COVID-19 testing on arrival at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) as part of updated travel guidelines for visiting the country.

The passengers from China must also present a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result 48 hours prior to departure from their originating country per the latest guidelines which come into effect on January 6, 2023.

All other passengers from countries asides from China who are partially vaccinated or unvaccinated will be required to present a valid COVID-19 PCR test result 48 hours prior to departure from the originating country. In addition, such passengers will be required to undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing on arrival at the KIA at no cost.

The new guidelines are in response to the change in the global COVID-19 situation, particularly with a surge in new cases in China and other countries as well as Ghana’s relatively low vaccine coverage.

The measures are to address the current threat of COVID-19, especially with regard to the importation of cases.

Sanctions

Passengers may also be selected at random and offered COVID-19 tests on arrival while non-Ghanaians travelling to the KIA with fake or forged vaccination certificates shall be quarantined and returned to the point of embarkation at their own cost.

Airlines that bring passengers to the KIA who are not fully vaccinated or passengers originating from China without a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result 48 hours prior to departure would be surcharged $3,500.

All arriving passengers will also undergo temperature screening, Yellow Fever Card verification and COVID-19 vaccination certificate verification.

Exemptions

– Children less than 18 years of age are exempted from mandatory vaccination, pre-departure PCR testing and testing on arrival in Ghana

– Airline crew are exempted from the pre-departure and arrival COVID-19 testing and should follow the Airline policy for testing.

– Passengers who arrive under emergency circumstances such as diverted flights will not be required to undergo testing if they do not leave the airport or remain in isolation in their hotel.

Vaccination

Definition of Fully Vaccinated – A person is said to be fully vaccinated when he/she has taken the full dose of vaccines approved and registered by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Ghana or other vaccines prequalified by WHO (https://covid19.trackvaccines.org/agency/who).

All Passengers must present a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing that they were fully vaccinated at least 14 days before embarkation except partially vaccinated or unvaccinated Ghanaians who are required to present a negative 48hrs PCR test result to the airline before embarkation and to Port Health upon arrival.

Similar actions

Morocco has also announced similar directives for passengers from China. From Tuesday, Morocco will ban travellers from China regardless of their nationality until further notice.

The Morocco Foreign Ministry said the move is aimed at preventing a spike in infections in the country.

The moves come after China abruptly dropped its Covid-19 controls in December last year.

Other countries outside Africa have also imposed restrictions.

For example, passengers arriving in England from China now have to provide a negative Covid test before they board a flight. The US is testing people on arrival.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

Former Pope Benedict XVI has died at his Vatican residence, aged 95, almost a decade after he stood down because of ailing health.

He led the Catholic Church for less than eight years until, in 2013, he became the first Pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415.

Benedict spent his final years at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery within the walls of the Vatican.

His successor Pope Francis said he had visited him there frequently.

The Vatican said in a statement: “With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican.

“Further information will be provided as soon as possible.”

The Vatican said the body of the Pope Emeritus will be placed in St Peter’s Basilica from 2 January for “the greeting of the faithful”.

Plans for Pope Benedict’s funeral will be announced in the next few hours, the Vatican said.

The head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, said Pope Benedict was “one of the great theologians of the 20th century”.

In a statement he said: “I remember with particular affection the remarkable Papal Visit to these lands in 2010. We saw his courtesy, his gentleness, the perceptiveness of his mind and the openness of his welcome to everybody that he met.”

“He was through and through a gentleman, through and through a scholar, through and through a pastor, through and through a man of God – close to the Lord and always his humble servant.”

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I am saddened to learn of the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

“He was a great theologian whose UK visit in 2010 was an historic moment for both Catholics and non-Catholics throughout our country.

“My thoughts are with Catholic people in the UK and around the world today.”

French President Emmanuel Macron said: “My thoughts go out to Catholics in France and around the world, bereaved by the departure of His Holiness Benedict XVI, who worked with soul and intelligence for a more fraternal world.”

Although the former pontiff had been ill for some time, Vatican authorities said there had been an aggravation in his condition because of advancing age.

On Wednesday, Pope Francis appealed to his final audience of the year at the Vatican to “pray a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict”, whom he said was very ill.

Born Joseph Ratzinger in Germany, Benedict was 78 when in 2005 he became one of the oldest popes ever elected.

For much of his papacy, the Catholic Church faced allegations, legal claims and official reports into decades of child abuse by priests.

Earlier this year the former Pope acknowledged that errors had been made in the handling of abuse cases while he was archbishop of Munich between 1977 and 1982.

Source: BBC