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Wendy Laryea

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June 4, 2016

Wendy’s passion for social issues is always evident in her incisive news reports.

One such report on the state of a dilapidated school building, Oborpah M/A Primary School in the Eastern region, led to the construction of a six-unit classroom block and K.V.I.P by a real estate company for the school.

Her hard work on and off-air was recognised at the 2015 Ghana Journalists Association Awards held in Accra as she picked two awards on the same night for “Best Report News
( Radio and TV) and Digital Journalism Category and Best Report on Education (Electronic)”

Wendy, the Producer of “Business Focus” an award winning business program on TV3 has also covered major events including the 2007 African Union Summit held in Accra.

She was among one hundred participants of the President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) West Africa Pioneering Cohort, 2015.

Her job as an anchor has seen her interview influential personalities, among them the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize winner – Liberian Women’s Rights campaigner Leymah Gbowee and Ghana’s former President John Agyekum Kufuor.

The Reuters trained broadcaster aspires to be an international media practitioner, and a communications expert.

Political investment breeds corruption – Expert

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June 4, 2016

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Political investment breeds corruption – Expert

A renowned accounting expert, Joseph Winful, says the lack of State funding of political parties in the country has led to what he has termed as ‘political investors’.

He argued monies being pumped into the activities of political parties by individuals and corporate entities are investments, noting those companies and individuals will reap big when the party they funded wins political power.

“Because of the nature of our cooperate world here, we tend to come up with what we call political investors. These are persons who will finance the political party through campaigns and so on. When it wins, that is the lottery; the bonanza [for them],” he said.

Mr Winful said this when he took his turn on TV3’s current affairs programme, Hot Issues, to speak on the issue of State funding of political parties on Saturday.

Acting chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Freddy Blay this week admitted there are wealthy people who fund political parties in Ghana, adding “In that case, some people get near power to somehow get their business to go on and we are not happy with that and we think that should change.”

This, Mr Winful said breeds corruption because the individuals and companies funding those parties are not doing so on charitable grounds but rather, view their money for these parties as investment they must profit from at the end.

“I keep telling Ghanaians that there is no entity in Ghana, especially a company, that is [of] a charitable concern, which means he’s financing a political party because the leaders are good looking; they’re nice to be with,” he said.

“It becomes an investment so they’ve got to be paid. That’s where we have a problem because [in] the repayment, the risk is factored into the repayment and it’s a huge one. And then we start shouting corruption, we start shouting sole sourcing but it is part of the process,” he said.

Political fund

Mr Winful is also the Chairman of Civil Society Platform said the State can explore a number avenue to get money for the funding of political parties in Ghana.

For him, Ghana can set up a political party fund just like it did for the National Health Insurance Scheme where monies to the fund are received from varied sources.

“There could be a fund set up; political party fund like we came up with the NHIS or we could have identifiable corporations or companies that are suppose to make contributions into a fund that will be distributed”.

Although he admitted that companies might not be unwilling to contribute to such a fund, “it could be part of the incentive for them to doing business in Ghana.”

Again, he said if governments were to manage the resources and finances of the State well, there would be enough money to use some to fund political parties

“When I look at the waste and the misapplications and so on, I can bet you it’s more than whatever funds that we could use to fund political parties.

Parties audited accounts

Touching on the law that requires political parties to file their audited financial accounts at the Electoral Commission, the former Senior Partner of KPMG observed the parties’ unwillingness to comply is somehow due to the lack of State funding of their activities.

He argued the parties would feel obliged should there be some level of State funding of their activities, saying “You don’t give us fund, we have to go and search for our funds all the time but if there is help from the state to some extent, they will be obliged to account for it because you’ve been given State funds.”

Mr Winful wondered whether when parties are funded by the State, the institutions mandated to enforce the law could be strong and live up to the expectation by ensuring every party complies with it.

“Are our institutions going to be that strong and independent to go after those who actually do not comply with the law?” he asked

By Stephen Kwabena Effah|tv3network.com|Ghana
Twitter @steviekgh

PHOTOGRAPHS OF JUNE 3 MEMORIAL SERVICE

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June 3, 2016

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A memorial service has been held at the Rev. Ernest Memorial Methodist Church at Adabraka in Accra, for victims of the June 3, 2015 flood and fire disaster. President John Dramani Mahama and other dignitaries were present at the service.

Victims of the disaster were also there in their numbers. Among them was Esther and her family who were there in memory of their sister Emefa Agbemati. She was a trained midwife.

According to Esther she advised her sister against going to work that evening until the rain subsided. Emefa insisted that she had to go because she had delivered some women and had to be there to take care of the babies.

When she did not return from work her family started to look for her only to find her body at the 37 Military Hospital among the dead.

The service was solemn as some survivors recalled the dreadful moment and bemoaned their loss.

President Mahama laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Ghana. Other wreaths were laid on behalf of Members of Parliament, victims and other groups.

Arrival of the president.

The clergy including Dr. Lawrence Tetteh were there in their number to mark the commemoration

Esther and her family who were there in memory of their sister Emefa Abgemati.

The late Emefa Abgemati.

President John Dramani Mahama meets survivors.

By: Ayerkie Narnor | 3news.com|Ghana

NPP will not tax pensions & allowances – Bawumia

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June 2, 2016

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NPP will not tax pensions & allowances – Bawumia

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has pointed out that the NPP will immediately review the various taxes that have been introduced by the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), specifically review the Income Tax Act 2015 to abolish the taxes on pensions and allowances as soon as it takes office.

The former Central Bank Deputy Governor noted that the NPP under Nana Akufo-Addo has a significantly different vision which does not focus on taxation but on productivity, jobs and the welfare of the Ghanaian people.

Dr. Bawumia made these comments to students and lecturers of the E.P. College of Education in Amedzofe in the Volta Region on Wednesday, June 1.

“An NPP government will build the most business friendly and most people friendly economy in Africa,” he said.

“This means that job creation will be at the heart of economic policy. A lot of the other taxes we are seeing today will be scrapped. We will reduce the tax burden on our people and businesses so that they can employ more people and introduce a Tax Credit scheme for Companies that employ fresh graduates so that we will increase the employment of fresh graduates.”

Dr. Bawumia explained that pensioners are one of the most vulnerable persons in society and that in the view of the NPP gains made on investments in pensions are part of pensions and should be protected.

This he said will not only make pensioners more comfortable but will also ensure that individuals have a bigger capacity to invest in businesses or simply increase savings and therefore, access to credit.

Dr Bawumia once again stated that for the NPP, the ideal way to increasing tax revenue is by formalizing the economy through the issuance of national IDs and a properly functioning property address system, which will expand the tax net and by growing the economy through a focus on jobs and productivity.

‘Taxes on the air we breathe’

Dr. Bawumia was worried that if the John Mahama government finds a way, it will even impose taxes on the air Ghanaians breathe.

“The government imposed taxes on condoms, cutlasses, savings; today they are imposing taxes on pensions and allowances. Anything they think they can impose taxes on, they are imposing taxes on it – even if they think they could impose taxes on the air we breathe today, they would have imposed taxes on it.”

While dissecting the causes of the economic and social crisis Ghana finds itself in today, Dr. Bawumia pointed out that the current slump in the economy had been occasioned by the government’s mismanagement, corruption and incompetence and that in its desperate bid to find a way out, the government had resorted to imprudently imposing taxes on every conceivable item.

He said the government as a result of the penchant for taxes is losing sight of the hurt that is causing the economy.

“In so doing, they do not even understand that this is actually hurting the economy but they are so desperate for revenue that they are not even thinking about the economy.”

Source: 3news.com|Ghana

Judge urges girls to speak out against obstacles

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June 2, 2016

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Judge urges girls to speak out against obstacles

Girls Guide

Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson is advocating stronger voice for young women as a strategy to deepen greater public consciousness about the plight of the girl-child.

Justice Lovelace-Johnson is also urging young women to speak out against obstacles inhibiting their growth and development.

She was addressing the opening ceremony of the Juliette Low Seminar (JLS 2016), an international leadership development program of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGS) in Accra on Monday.

The JLS 2016, the 41st edition since in 1932 is being hosted in Africa for the first time and it is being attended by 58 Girl Guides from 50 countries around the world.

The week-long training seminar is being hosted by the Ghana Girl Guides Association (GGGA).

Justice Lovelace-Johnson who represented Ghana’s Chief Justice Georgina Wood commended the Girls Guide movement for various strides made to improve the lot of the girl-child and womanhood.

The Deputy Minister for Children, Gender and Social Protection, Mrs DelaSowah said the social movement agenda of the Girl Guides movement has helped caused significant transformation to many young girls, making them women of substance and value in various fields of endeavour.

She said government through her ministry was doing a lot to ensure the girl-child lives fulfilled life.

A member of the Governing Board of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, Ana-Maria Mideros said bringing the prestigious JLS to Africa and Ghana in particular amplifies Ghana’s monumental contribution to the global Girl Guides movement “which has been the pillar of successes for many women world-wide”.

She commended the Ghana Girl Guides Association for advocating for the vulnerable girls in Ghana.

Both the Chief Commissioner of the Ghana Girl Guides Association, Mrs Juliana Ofori-Kissi and the President of the Association, Mrs Ruth Amissah renewed the commitment of the association to the ideals of the girls’ organisation which has been in Ghana since 1921.

By 3news.com|Ghana

Ghana makes progress with nuclear energy programme – GAEC

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June 2, 2016

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Ghana makes progress with nuclear energy programme – GAEC

The Ghana Atomic Energy Agency says the country is making headway in its nuclear power programme to help address the power generation deficit.

Director General of the Commission, Professor Benjamin Nyarko, says in spite of the program’s benefits to the economy, there is no rush to compromise on safety standards.

“Nuclear is a long journey programme and the construction of the nuclear power plant itself takes between three and five years like any other plant like hydro but the development of the infrastructure which involves about 19 issues to address is what takes time,” he noted.

Ghana has been striving to meet the requirements since 2013, which includes adhering to international safety standards, especially in the management of radioactive waste.

The country’s roadmap with the International Atomic Energy Agency is to get a nuclear power plant as part of the energy mix by 2029.

Prof. Nyarko says the plan is on course to get the first nuclear power plant running in the next 13 years.

“If we double up and move faster, the time will be shorter than that because Ghana has a lot of experience in this area,” he noted.

Interest in nuclear energy is growing globally because it is clean and green with long term economic benefits.

African economies, suffering from electricity generation deficits to meet industrial and domestic demands, are exploring the nuclear option.

Ghana passed the Nuclear Regulatory Bill last year with the objective to provide the framework for the beneficial and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Russia is among other major international partners in the country’s nuclear infrastructural development.

The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission is already partnering Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation (ROSATOM) to construct two nuclear power plants to produce 2,400 megawatts of electricity in Ghana.

Officials from the Commission and the Ministry of Power took part in the ATOMEXPO 2016 in Moscow, Russia, to explore opportunities and partnerships in going nuclear.

But government’s recent attention to coal powered sources to the energy mix could impact on investments in nuclear energy to meet the set target.

There has been opposition to the coal option described as the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions.

Prof. Nyarko believes the country stands to benefit most from nuclear power though and advocates a good energy mix to ensure energy security for Ghana.

“If we need about 20,000megawatts of electricity to push our industries and economy, then we don’t have to rely on only thermal or coal but we bring in all other energies that are available. But I think that nuclear energy can add cheaper energy for industrialization than any other sources apart from hydro and all our hydro resources are all gone,” he observed.

He also argued that nuclear energy offers the opportunity to grow greener economies and for Ghana to conform to the new Paris Agreement on climate change for countries to promote clean energy solutions.

Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh, reporting from Moscow, Russia

Human Rights Court dismisses Sammy Crabbe’s suit

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June 2, 2016

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Human Rights Court dismisses Sammy Crabbe’s suit

Sammy Crabbe was suspended after Chairman Paul Afoko and Gen. Sec. Kwabena Agyepong were suspended

The Human Rights Court in Accra has summarily dismissed a suit brought before it by suspended Second Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Samuel Crabbe.

Mr Crabbe had challenged his suspension at the Court presided over by Justice Dennis Adjei, claiming the disciplinary committee set up to suspend him was unconstitutional.

He wanted the Court to revoke the decision of the committee.

But on Thursday, June 2, Justice Adjei ruled that the decision by the committee sits in well with the constitution of the NPP.

Mr Crabbe became the third national officer of the NPP suspended due to misconduct.

He was suspended after the suspensions of Paul Afoko, then a National Chairman, and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, then a General Secretary.

Mr Crabbe had rejected the replacements of the suspended officers, claiming he could not work with the supplanters.

He failed to appear before the disciplinary committee and, therefore, the decision to suspend him was taken in absentia.

It is unclear what action next Mr Crabbe will take – whether to follow Mr Agyepong, who has stayed away from any legal challenge of his suspension, or follow Mr Afoko, who is also battling the party in court over his fate.

By Emmanuel Kwame Amoh|3news.com|Ghana

Twitter: @kwame_amoh

Ghanaians will not discard NDC for NPP – Afotey Agbo

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June 2, 2016

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Afotey Agbo

The Greater Accra Regional Minister Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo has called on the electorate not to make what he termed the “unpardonable mistake” by voting out the National Democratic Congress government.

He said if the NDC is replaced with the New Patriotic Party, the latter will tear down everything built by President John Dramani Mahama’s administration as was done to the legacies of Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

Nii Afotey Agbo, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kpone-Katamanso, told Bright Kwesi Asempa on Onua FM’s Ghana Dadwen Wednesday, “We know them, I know what they can do, they did they same thing to our first president, destroying visionary projects done by Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah”

The Greater Accra Regional Minister who is affectionately called ‘Lion’ recalled “all the attempts made to stop projects that are helping us today, Asemapa, are they not doing the same thing to President Mahama, the NPP tried to stop the construction of the Akosombo dam, the construction of the Tema-Accra Motorway and other major projects which are of immerse help even to them today, but they fought it, and I can tell you that is what NPP is doing now”.

He said the government has done a lot of projects and continue to roll out new, which is putting fears in the NPP.
“We cannot allow them (NPP) to come to power, if Ghanaians vote for them, they will regret later, they will make a big mistake, I’m telling you.”

“Ghana is not the same my brother, I received some foreigners who told me our country is growing very fast and I was surprised because there are some people who are constantly saying nothing is going on but I can tell you a time is coming Ghanaians will not travel abroad not because they don’t have money but because Ghana is gradually becoming like the Americas and Europe”

Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo posited that although the rest of his party members are predicting 57% win in the November 7 presidential election, Ghanaians will give the NDC 58%.

Story by Bright Dzakah | Onua FM | 3news.com

New Komenda Sugar Factory to undergo mandatory 6-mth shutdown

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June 2, 2016

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New Komenda Sugar Factory to undergo mandatory 6-mth shutdown

Komenda Sugar Factory1 — The factory was built with funding from India’s EXIM Bank

The resuscitated Komenda Sugar Factory will be shut down after six months in operation, Central Region Minister Kweku Ricketts-Hagan has confirmed.

The six-month shutdown is in line with the maintenance programme for the India-Ghana joint facility, he said.

The factory, situated in the Central Region, was commissioned on Monday, May 30 by President John Dramani Mahama.

President Mahama announced to the gathering during the commissioning that 7,300 jobs have been created with the establishment of the factory. He also revealed that two more of such project will be established in the country.

The $24.5 million facility will establish irrigation farms of about 2,000 acres of landspace to serve as the core source of raw materials for the factory.

Speaking on TV3’s News @10 on Wednesday, June 1, Mr Rickets-Hagan said the planned shutdown for maintenance will be done according to best practice.

He said it is important for the facility to undergo such a programme so that it does not break down unexpectedly.

The Member of Parliament for Cape Coast South Constituency explained that the shutdown has been planned to coincide with the fallow period of sugarcane farming.

By Emmanuel Kwame Amoh|3news.com|Ghana

XI great players left out of Euro 2016 this summer

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June 2, 2016

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XI great players left out of Euro 2016 this summer

Euro 2016 promises to be a superb tournament of football this summer, with the continent’s best teams and players all scrapping it out for the trophy.

However, before you get too excited about the players who *will* be there, we’ve put together a best XI of those left behind by competing nations.

No, this is not a line up full of players who won’t be on show due to their countries not qualifying (otherwise this article would pretty much just be the Dutch national team), but those dealt cruel snubs or injury blows late on, thus missing out on a place in the now-finalised squads.

Is it an exaggeration to say this side would probably stand a decent chance of going all the way in France? Decide for yourselves…

Defence
Still a top goalkeeper, Pepe Reina has been linked with a surprise return to Liverpool, but he hasn’t snuck into Spain’s squad for the Euros. In fairness, he’s got a lot of high class competition.

Ahead of him in defence, there’s more heartbreak for Liverpool fans as they won’t be seeing their heroes Dejan Lovren or Mamadou Sakho in action this summer, with the pair snubbed for Croatia and France, respectively.

Finally, Bayern Munich dynamo Javi Martinez is one of a number of big-name absentees for holders Spain, who have been, frankly, spoiled for choice ahead of this tournament.
Midfield

A defensive midfield pairing Arsenal fans would dearly love to see next season, Santi Cazorla is partnered by long-time Gunners transfer target Ilkay Gundogan.

The Spaniard is another unlucky victim of Vicente Del Bosque’s ahead of the Euros, with injury ruling him out for so much of the season just gone.

Gundogan, meanwhile, is another injured star who will miss yet another tournament with Germany, having also failed to make it to their victorious World Cup-winning campaign in Brazil two years ago.

Ahead of them is an attacking midfield trio that would make many opposition defences weep – but injury has ruled out Marco Reus late on, meaning, like Gundogan, he’ll miss consecutive international tournaments for Germany.

Juan Mata is another harshly left out for Spain, little more than a week after scoring in the FA Cup final for Manchester United, while Hatem Ben Arfa was also inexplicably omitted from the France squad despite playing perhaps the season of his life for Nice.

Attack
Finally, the world class absentees continue to the final two attacking players, with Real Madrid and Chelsea’s first-choice strikers deemed surplus to requirements for their countries.

Karim Benzema’s France snub perhaps shouldn’t be too much of a surprise after off-the-field matters, though there’s no escaping that Didier Deschamps’ side will miss the quality of a player with 28 goals in all competitions for Real last season.

Diego Costa, meanwhile, has never really done it on the international stage, but seems another harsh omission by Spain, even if he may only have had a super-sub role to play for La Roja.

Will some of these decisions come back to haunt managers by the end of the summer?

Source: Metro.co.uk

Human Rights Court decides fate of Sammy Crabbe today

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June 2, 2016

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Human Rights Court decides fate of Sammy Crabbe today

The Human Rights Court in Accra will today give its judgment on the case involving the suspended Second National Vice-Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Sammy Crabbe, and the NPP.

Sammy Crabbe was suspended after two members of the party, Mr Boye Laryea and Ms Gladys Tsotso Mann-Dedey, filed a complaint against him for allegedly uttering words in the media that had the potential to bring the party into disrepute.

He was vociferous in his criticism of the party concerning the suspension of the National Chairman, Paul Afoko and the General Secretary, Kwabena Agyapong.

He was accused of saying he could not work with the executive members who were appointed to act in the stead of the National Chairman and the General Secretary.

Those issues, among others, according to the petitioners, were enough for Mr. Crabbe to be removed from office.

Following his failure to appear before the NPP’s disciplinary committee to respond to the petitioners’ claims, Mr. Crabbe was subsequently suspended.

Sammy Crabbe who described his suspension as an act of lawlessness by “coup makers” went to the Human Rights Court for remedy.

The court is expected to deliver its judgment today, Thursday June 2, 2016.

Story by Kweku Antwi-Otoo/Onua FM/3news.com

Wealthy people fund political parties & that must stop – Freddy Blay

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June 1, 2016

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Wealthy people fund political parties & that must stop – Freddy Blay

The acting chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Freddy Blay has admitted there are wealthy people funding political parties in Ghana which must be stopped.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a forum on political party financing he insisted the phenomenon is a threat to the country’s democracy.

The high cost in campaigning and incessant request for support have raised suspicions of money bags behind major political parties.

Concerns have also been raised about faceless political party campaign investors who demand their pound of flesh after political victory.

Acting chairman of the new patriotic party, Freddy Blay admits political parties are funded by wealthy people.

He said “it’s unfortunate that it happens. All over the world it happens and it happens in Ghana. And you can tell that unless you’re near power, it is difficult for your business to prosper, it’s difficult for your business to go on.

“In that case some people get near power to somehow get their business to go on and we are not happy with that and we think that should change.”

Mr. Blay insisted that because political parties file tax returns, limited state funding should be made available to parties.

He said “in a limited way, it should be done but it must be under some conditions. It’s not that one would say I’ve formed a political party so come and fund me. You should make efforts to maybe be in parliament or have some political representation, have a certain number of political offices etc, then based on that criteria, you could be funded.”

But the Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Koku Anyidoho disagreed with the assertion. He indicated that “it would leave a lot of questions hanging” taking the task payers money to fund political parties. He also questioned that “how would the public take it in the face of economic challenges?”

Koku Anyidoho said political parties have varied ways of sourcing for funds adding that “individuals at the constituency level or the branch level” make contributions.

“And when you move to the national level there are corporate entities who do not want their identities disclosed, individuals who don’t want their identities disclosed for whatever reasons etc… So there is a whole gamut of financing sources.”

By Martin Asiedu-Dartey|tv3network.com|Ghana
Twitter: @NewsyMartin

Nunoo-Mensah: ‘It is easy for Ghana to slip into war’

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June 1, 2016

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Nunoo-Mensah: ‘It is easy for Ghana to slip into war’

police

A former National Security Advisor has warned that Ghana could be in chaos during the 2016 election if care is not taken.

“It is very easy for Ghana to slip from peace to war due to what is happening currently in the political scene and other sectors,” said Brigadier General (rtd) Joseph Nunoo-Mensah.

“We should be careful about the situation now. There are too much attacks and killings in the country and that cause the nation,” the former Chief of Defence Staff told Onua FM’s Yen Sempa hosted by Kwame Karikari on Wednesday, June 1.

Head of the Human Security at the National Security was commenting on the recent killings in the country by both civilians and security personnel.

Brigadier-General Nunoo-Mensah reminded leaders that “all the problems we have in Ghana are human issues”.

He explained that “we must vote in peace. The election should be peaceful because we should look at what is happening in other countries. It is not good and it can happen in Ghana if care is not taken”.

By Kweku Antwi-Otoo|Onua FM|3news.com | Ghana

Greater Accra tops in HIV ranking

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June 1, 2016

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HIV AIDS

The Greater Accra Region has beaten the Eastern Region to emerge as the region with the highest HIV prevalence rate in the country in 2015, a new report has revealed.

The first spot has for several years been held by the Eastern Region but the latest National Aids/STI Control Programme report shows a drop in the regional ranking of the prevalence rate.

In the latest ranking, Greater Accra recorded a 3.2 percent prevalence rate, the Eastern and Ashanti Regions recorded a 2.7 percent, with the Western Region recording 2.0 percent. The Northern Region recorded a 1.2 percent rate.

Programme Manager of the National Aids/STI Control programme, Dr Stephen Ayisi Addo announced the figures at an HIV survey presentation ceremony in Accra Wednesday.

The HIV Sentinel Survey (HSS) is a cross sectional survey primarily targeting pregnant women attending Antenatal Clinics (ANC) in selected ANC sites in Ghana.

Over the years, the HSS data has been used as the primary data source for the National HIV and AIDS estimates in Ghana.

Addressing participants at the ceremony, Dr Ayisi Addo called on Ghanaians to support the health sector to address the issues of HIV and syphilis in the country.

He noted that there was not a cure yet for the HIV disease, except anti-retroviral drugs which only suppresses the disease.

Dr Ayisi has thus urged stakeholders to intensify education and sensitization of Ghanaians, especially children, on HIV since they are more prone to the disease.

“The sensitization is expected to be taught in schools and other youth programmes and should include topics on abstinence, being faithful to sexual partners and the constant use of condoms and other contraceptives,” he said.

The Minister of Health, Alex Segbefia, pledged government’s commitment at tackling HIV and its related diseases in the country.

He said the government would provide logistics and allocate resources promptly to the sector despite the current economic challenges.

Emmanuel Tawiah Forson|Onua 95.1|3news.com

Rawlings threatens to sue Africawatch

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June 1, 2016

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Former President J.J. Rawlings has described as blatant falsehood a report in the May edition of the Africawatch Magazine that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Lawyers for the former President have, therefore, asked publishers of the monthly magazine, Liberty Media Concepts, to retract the story, apologise with the same prominence given to the story or face legal action.

A lawyer for the former President, Ms Hanifa Yahaya , told the Daily Graphic Tuesday that the publication was defamatory.

“They are not speculating but were very categorical that they have spoken to his doctors in Ghana and in South Africa. What motive will they have for such publication, if not defamation?” she said.

Retraction and apology

A copy of rejoinder by the legal team of the former President the Daily Graphic obtained said “We also demand that you immediately halt the distribution of the said edition of the offensive publication and cause the retraction and apology to be published immediately in at least one major newspaper in all the countries listed on the cover as circulation zones, as well as in the next monthly edition of the magazine.”

The rejoinder said the story headlined – “Now This Man needs your prayers, Parkinson’s disease eats Rawlings’ strength away” was false and they (lawyers) had been instructed to take legal action against the magazine, if it failed to meet the demands of the rejoinder.

“Take notice and notice is hereby given that if you fail to immediately retract the story and apologise for same, legal action shall be taken against you without any further notice to you,” it warned.

Although the story claimed to have accounts from the former President’s doctors in Ghana and South Africa, it is scanty in detail and only gives details about the heydays of the former President and an elaborate detail on what the Parkinson’s disease is.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Africa watch Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement. It develops gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. But while a tremor may be the most well-known sign of Parkinson’s disease, the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.

According to experts, in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, one’s face may show little or no expression, or one’s arms may not swing when you walk. One’s speech may become soft or slurred. Parkinson’s disease symptoms worsen as your condition deteriorates over time.

The Africawatch Magazine, distributed in nine countries, does not shy away from controversies. In 2010, it incurred the wrath of Parliament by announcing a survey that ranked the performance of Members of Parliament.

Concocted stories

Its latest publication did not please the former President’s aide, Mr Kobina Andoh either who described the publication as an “absolute falsehood.”

“It is cast in bad taste and calculated to just sell a magazine that has very little credibility and thrives on sensationalism and not facts.

“This is something that is medical and you will need to speak to him or to his doctor or some close family member to verify. You don’t just go out there and throw things like that. It is totally unethical,” he said.

Describing the publication as intrusive, he said while the private lives of public figures were opened to scrutiny, it should not be about publishing concocted stories.

“What is the essence of the story? If you read the story itself, there is no iota of evidence to prove what they are saying apart from a chunk of the story giving details of what the disease is which is irrelevant to the issue at hand,” he said.

He also said it was impossible for doctors of former President Rawlings to throw their ethics into the gutters and tell lies about his health.

“Everywhere in the world, doctors have doctor-patient confidentiality and regulatory mechanism to protect the privacy of their patients.

“The magazine cannot come and throw dust in our eyes that for a personality of that level, his doctors are so reckless that they will be throwing around falsehood, “he said.

Africawatch response

Meanwhile, efforts to reach the Editor of the magazine, Mr Steve Mallory, did not yield any results as email to him had not been responded to at the time of going to press.

Source: Daily Graphic | Ghana