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Multi award-winning rapper, Sarkodie, says, he wouldn’t have missed KiDi and Kuami Eugene’s “Live in Concert” event at the O2 Indigo, London, for anything in the world.

In an exclusive interview with the co-host of the event, Doreen Avio, Sark revealed that no matter where he was in the world, he would have flown to the venue to watch and support the young singers perform.

“I am extremely proud as a Ghanaian that KiDi and Kuami Eugene’s concert happened in London. Obviously, no matter where I was in the world… even if I was in Ghana, I would have flown to come and support them,” he averred.

The Office of the Speaker of Parliament has described as intriguing the complete silence on the travels of other members of government apart from Alban Bagbin.

In a statement on Monday to deny some allegations surrounding the Speaker’s travel expenses to Dubai for medical review, the Office said there are efforts to exaggerate the travel cost of the Speaker.

It added that Speaker Bagbin, in his 14 months in office, has travelled on a few occasions in comparison to previous Speakers within the same period.

It stressed that even some members of the leadership in Parliament have made more travels than the Speaker.

“What is intriguing is the focus on Mr Speaker’s travel and the efforts at exaggerating the cost. Meanwhile, there is complete silence on the travels of other members of government, the frequency of which is far higher than that of Mr Speaker,” portions of the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Speaker has urged the public to disregard allegations that the Speaker travelled to Dubai for medical review with his children and a large entourage.

The Office noted that the Speaker’s travel expenses to Dubai are in accordance with the President’s prescription and other analogous government members.

Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Actors Guild of Ghana, Bill Asamoah, has called for financial support and investment to enable the industry tell the history of Ghana through films.

He made the appeal while speaking on the special edition of  Joy FM‘s Showbiz A-Z to mark Ghana Month from the Center for National Culture, Kumasi, on Saturday, March 5, 2022. 

His comments followed Monarchail Safo-Kantaka’s clarification on the story of Okomfo Anokye’s migration from Awukugwa to the Ashanti Kingdom.

After asserting that submissions from other panellists during the show were an eye-opener, Bill Asamoah noted that the film industry could do its part in retelling the stories. 

However, he believes such projects require a lot of funds, which aren’t easily accessible. He cited the recently-premiered “Heroes of Africa: Tetteh Quarshie” movie, one that required huge funding.

According to him, a new dawn has emerged and Ghanaians should subscribe to the essence of filming in Ghana.

Former Gold Coast, now Ghana is today, March 6, celebrating its 65th anniversary after attaining independence in 1957 from the British.

The achievements chalked so far by the country would not have been possible if not for the efforts of the founding fathers of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), popularly known as the “Big Six.”

They are; Kwame Nkrumah, Ebenezer Ako-Adjei, Edward Akufo-Addo, Joseph Boakye Danquah, Emmanuel Obetsebi-Lamptey and William Ofori-Atta.

In August 1947, they laid the foundation for the Gold Coast’s struggle for Independence. 

The Past – Ghana’s freedom

Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah was the first Prime Minister of Ghana. In his speech to Ghanaians on Independence Day, he said: “At long last, the battle has ended!  And thus, Ghana, your beloved country is free forever!”

He did not end there but further noted that “Our independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa.”

Ghana is represented globally by its Red, Gold, Green and Black Star flag. It was designed by the late Theodosia Salome Okoh. The Red – symbolises the blood of the forefathers who led the fight into independence. Gold stands for the country’s minerals while the colour Green signifies Ghana’s natural wealth in terms of vegetation cover.

The five-pointed black star at the centre shows the Hope for Africa to attain liberation. Previously, Gold Coast had been using the blue ensign of the British colony as its flag. 

All is set in the Central regional capital, Cape Coast as the metropolis gets ready to host Ghana’s 65th Independence Day anniversaryon Sunday (6 March).

Hotels and guest houses in Cape Coast are cashing in on the national event. Rooms are fully booked in advance, according to Asaase News checks.

There has been a step up in rehearsal as schools and members of the various security agencies prepare for Sunday’s parade. Students from the first and second cycle institutions have been drawn from the metropolis for the march-past.

This is the third time such an event is being held outside Accra after Tamale and Kumasihosted it.

The event which is on the theme: “Working Together; Bouncing Back Better”, will be attended by dignitaries including the Prime Minister of the Republic of Barbados, Mia Mottley, who is the special guest.

Clean-up exercises, debates and quiz competitions have also been held as part of activities to mark the event.

The Cape Coast Sports Stadium which is the venue for the event has been given a facelift as the internal and external facilities of the 15,000-capacity stadium have been polished up ahead of Sunday’s event.

Hotels and guest houses in Cape Coast are cashing in on the national event. Rooms are fully booked in advance, according to Asaase News checks

Prolific sound engineer, Edward Nana Poku Osei, famously known as Hammer of the Last Two or Da’ Hammer, says he fed more than 50 rappers during his heydays.

He made this revelation when he was asked by Andy Dosty on The Library on Hitz FM, how he managed a lot of rappers at the same time.

“I used to feed over 50 boys. Boys I didn’t know, rehearsing outside. I used to buy loads of food for everybody just to make sure they were okay. In the mornings, we gave everybody transport to go back home.”

Throwback photo of obrafo) and Da Hammer at the studio

Dancehall artiste, Stonebwoy, is a year older today as he marks his 34th birthday. 

In Ghana, the musician born Livingston Etse Satekla, is described as the Greatest Of All Times (G.O.A.T) when it comes to the genre of music he is involved in. He contends with arch-rival Shatta Wale.

Stonebwoy is the “El Presidente” of the BhimNation movement. His fans have come out in their numbers to celebrate their idol on this special day.

They have flooded social media space, Twitter, with well-wishes and accolades. The trend #LongLiveStonebwoy has been dedicated to the artiste.

Apple has become the latest major firm to halt all product sales in Russia, in a widening corporate backlash to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

The iPhone giant said it was “deeply concerned” about the Russian invasion and stands with those “suffering as a result of the violence”.

Apple Pay and other services such as Apple Maps have also been limited.

Google has also removed Russian state-funded publishers such as RT from its features.

Mobile banking apps in Russian, such as Russia’s VTB Bank’s app, may soon not function fully on devices using Apple’s iOS operating system, according to news agency RIA.

Apple said in a statement that the firm had disabled both traffic and live incidents in Apple Maps in Ukraine as a “safety and precautionary measure for Ukrainian citizens”.

Last week, Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov published an open letter to Apple on Twitter, in which he asked Apple to cut Russia off from its products, services, and App Store.

Government says it has appealed to five neighbouring countries to Ukraine to facilitate the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals.

This was disclosed by the Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey during a press briefing in Accra on Sunday, February 27, 2022.

The five countries she said are; Moldova, Poland, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia.

“Fortunately, the Government of Moldova has officially indicated it willingness to facilitate the passage of Foreign Nationals based on a structured exercise,” she noted.

She said the evacuation by land to neighbouring countries has become necessary due to the closure of Ukraine’s airspace.https://www.youtube.com/embed/i3rYMOYYmZw

The Minister also revealed that through diplomatic efforts, Ghana has secured passage through Hungary, on a visa-free basis for Ghanaian students who are in possession of Ghanaian passports.

“We are told the Hungarian government is also providing coordinated assistance to enable our nationals reach airports in Budapest or Debrecen. The Government of Ghana is grateful to the Hungarian Government,” she said.

Meanwhile, over 220 Ghanaians in Ukraine have safely exited the country as of midday on Sunday, February 27.

Addressing the nation on Sunday, the Minister announced that government has instituted the necessary measures to facilitate the transportation, accommodation, feeding, medical support and flights for the evacuated citizens.

“We hope for better days as the Ministry further engages our diplomatic Missions and Honorary Consulates to extend consular assistance to our compatriots. We are earnestly facilitating the safe return of a lot more.”

“These numbers are bound to increase in a few days as we observe a team spirit being displayed by our people, our citizens and our students. They are reaching out to one other, setting up groups, WhatsApp chats, sharing important phone numbers of Consular officers and other personalities who could be of assistance,” she said.

She also mentioned that over 460 students are already in transit to neighbouring countries such as Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

“The students will be received by officials of our diplomatic missions, Honorary Consuls and officials of the student unions or associations.”

Breakdown of figures

According to the Minister, 24 persons have arrived in Bucharest, Romania. The officer on the ground is procuring tickets for them to leave tomorrow en route to Accra.

She said 48 are being processed at the holding area and another 60 going through border formalities to get to Romania.

“38 having crossed into Poland are with our officials. We are currently also making arrangements for those who are willing to be assisted to get on flights. 25 persons en route to Prague from Slovakia were assisted by the Honorary Consul and will be received on entry by the Mission in Prague.”

“25 just this morning arrived in Hungary and are being sheltered at the Pentecostal church in Budapest. 85 of our compatriots are being assisted by our Embassy in Moscow to cross the border town of Suny into Russia which as indicated earlier has posed serious difficulties,” she stated.

The leadership of Ghanaian students in Ukraine have set plans in motion to transport their members to Poland for safety. 

The President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) in Ternopil City, Richard Ofori, said Ghanaian students in the region, numbering about 250, are expected to be safely transported by Tuesday. 

“Buses have been booked for tomorrow (Saturday) and Tuesday to transport students to Poland, about 200 to 250 Ghanaian students. We had to make the decision ourselves,”

The Queen is planning to continue working at Windsor Castle after testing positive for coronavirus.

Buckingham Palace confirmed she had COVID-19 yesterday – and Sky News has been told “a number of cases have been diagnosed within the Windsor Castle team”.

Hours after the announcement was made, Her Majesty sent a message of congratulations to the Team GB women’s curling team after they won a gold medal at the Winter Olympics.

The 95-year-old monarch is said to be experiencing mild, cold-like symptoms and intends to carry out “light duties” during her recovery.

She is believed to be triple vaccinated, and doctors expect that a team of royal physicians will now be making anti-viral treatments available to her.

Professor Sir Huw Thomas, head of the Medical Household and Physician to the Queen, is expected to be in charge.

It comes as Boris Johnson prepares to unveil England’s plan for “living with COVID” at a news conference tonight.

A number of measures are being considered, with Downing Street confirming that those who test positive for coronavirus will no longer have to self-isolate by the end of this week.

Yesterday, the prime minister tweeted: “I’m sure I speak for everyone in wishing Her Majesty The Queen a swift recovery from COVID and a rapid return to vibrant good health.”

Dr David Nicholl, a leading neurologist, says vaccines have made a “jaw-dropping difference” to the impact that COVID-19 has on elderly people.

While he does not know the Queen’s full medical background, he added: “I would expect she is going to make a full recovery.

“I would say, for someone who is fully vaccinated, boosted, they are most likely to have a very mild illness – a bit of a cold and that’s it sort of thing.

“It’s difficult because if someone is elderly, the age of 95 or so, people can get other things.”

The Queen has recently suffered from health difficulties. On Wednesday, the monarch was seen standing with the help of a walking stick – and remarked during an in-person audience: “Well, as you can see, I can’t move.”

Several other members of the Royal Family have tested positive for COVID in recent weeks – including Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.

Sky News royal commentator Alastair Bruce said the Queen is “no lover of fuss”, but is in an “environment where she can be very well looked after”.

He added: “I think the Queen’s always been aware that one day she would get it.

“For a very feisty and determined lady of her mid-90s, she is more than ready to deal with what she faces.”

Twitter users have shared their views on a motion filed by four Majority MPs on Thursday for a bi-partisan investigation into the death of the late President John Evans Atta-Mills.

Led by Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the group wants Parliament to constitute a committee “to unravel the unending mystery surrounding the death of late President Mills which sad event occurred on July 24, 2012.”

Aside from the Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP, the remaining sponsors of the motion include Tolon MP, Habib Iddrissu; Mpraeso MP, Davis Ansah Opoku and Tema Central MP, Yves Hanson-Nortey. 

The move has been unwelcomed by some on social media. According to them, investigating the demise of the late Mills 10 years after it occurred, is insensitive.

A 31-year-old farmer at Adansi Nyakumase in the Ashanti Region is reported to have shot his wife for denying him sex.

Charles Soglo, aged 31, after shooting Doris Amoah, 21, attempted suicide after sensing danger but was unsuccessful. He was also unable to kill his wife.

Takyi Adansi Fomena District Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Yaw Ohene, confirmed the incident to AdomNews correspondent, Isaac Normanyo.

“Charles Soglo shot his hands and lost two of his fingers and shot his chest. His wife had been transported to the hospital when a team of officers got to the scene. The officers then transported the suspect to the hospital,” he added.

Chief Supt Ohene noted that Doris Amoah was rushed to New Edubiase Government Hospital and is responding to treatment.

Member of Parliament, Anyaa Sowutuom, Dr Dickson Adomako Kissi, has indicated that the Finance Ministry is considering the reduction of the current rate of the Electronic Transaction Levy (e-levy) further downwards.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Wednesday, he noted that the current stance of the Ministry stems from the outcome of the various town hall meetings held by government. 

“What I can say here is that I’m so happy through these town hall meetings, the Finance Minister is adjusting, which shows that he is listening and also that he is moving gradually from where he stood firmly. That is remarkable for me. I’m happy that it has come to 1.5% and it is even further down.”

“It is going further down. I have had interactions with the Finance Ministry,” he said.

Interacting with host, Benjamin Akakpo, Dr Kissi added that: “Finance Minister was at 1.75% with the telcos taking 0.25%. Now, he is actually looking at moving to 1.5% and still the telcos absorbing the 0.25% which then brings it to 1.25%. These are concessions the Finance Ministry is making.”

President Akufo-Addo on Wednesday reiterated the need for Ghanaians to support the passage of the Electronic Transaction Levy (e-levy).

Taking to Twitter, the President stated: “Let’s support Government’s revenue mobilisation drive; let’s support the e-levy. #ELevyForDevelopment.”

He also shared a footage to convince Ghanaians that the revenue generated from the levy will among other things, be used to create job opportunities for the unemployed in the country.https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=e30%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1493838198358917122&lang=en&origin=file%3A%2F%2F%2Fprivate%2Fvar%2Fcontainers%2FBundle%2FApplication%2F70DC1C4A-9BD0-46F3-8824-3AE8808A3BE5%2FMyJoyOnline.app%2F&theme=light&widgetsVersion=0a8eea3%3A1643743420422&width=550px

In the footage, one Francis narrates how he completed the Takoradi Technical University but has been unable to find a job 5 years after graduating. While narrating his ordeal, Francis grabs his Play Station 5. 

He later notes that in order for jobs to be created, the government needs to generate revenue. Francis, therefore, called on all Ghanaians to support the e-levy initiative.

“My friends and I are looking forward to the new opportunity of YouStart, so we can create our own jobs and employ others. Our youth need jobs. Government needs revenue to create jobs. Let’s support revenue mobilization. Let’s support e-levy. e-levy for development.”

Efforts by the President to garner support from the public appears to have been unwelcomed. The character “Francis” in the footage has been trolled since President Akufo-Addo tweeted.

Social media users have opposed the concept adopted by the government’s team.

They said certain items purportedly owned by Francis do not depict an individual who has been without employment for 5 years.https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=e30%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1493846450094194692&lang=en&origin=file%3A%2F%2F%2Fprivate%2Fvar%2Fcontainers%2FBundle%2FApplication%2F70DC1C4A-9BD0-46F3-8824-3AE8808A3BE5%2FMyJoyOnline.app%2F&theme=light&widgetsVersion=0a8eea3%3A1643743420422&width=550pxhttps://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=e30%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1493843496205172737&lang=en&origin=file%3A%2F%2F%2Fprivate%2Fvar%2Fcontainers%2FBundle%2FApplication%2F70DC1C4A-9BD0-46F3-8824-3AE8808A3BE5%2FMyJoyOnline.app%2F&theme=light&widgetsVersion=0a8eea3%3A1643743420422&width=550px

According to them, such individuals do not own a MacBook as well as a Play Station 5 in a home that appears well furnished. 

They insist the government is out of touch with reality with its campaign for e-levy approval.

Meanwhile, Francis has been urged to put his MacBook and Play Station out for sale in order to start his business.https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-3&features=e30%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1493874077349695492&lang=en&origin=file%3A%2F%2F%2Fprivate%2Fvar%2Fcontainers%2FBundle%2FApplication%2F70DC1C4A-9BD0-46F3-8824-3AE8808A3BE5%2FMyJoyOnline.app%2F&partner=tweetdeck&theme=light&widgetsVersion=0a8eea3%3A1643743420422&width=550pxhttps://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-4&features=e30%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1493866886781861889&lang=en&origin=file%3A%2F%2F%2Fprivate%2Fvar%2Fcontainers%2FBundle%2FApplication%2F70DC1C4A-9BD0-46F3-8824-3AE8808A3BE5%2FMyJoyOnline.app%2F&theme=light&widgetsVersion=0a8eea3%3A1643743420422&width=550pxhttps://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-5&features=e30%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1493858115523162112&lang=en&origin=file%3A%2F%2F%2Fprivate%2Fvar%2Fcontainers%2FBundle%2FApplication%2F70DC1C4A-9BD0-46F3-8824-3AE8808A3BE5%2FMyJoyOnline.app%2F&theme=light&widgetsVersion=0a8eea3%3A1643743420422&width=550pxhttps://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-6&features=e30%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1493852973566410754&lang=en&origin=file%3A%2F%2F%2Fprivate%2Fvar%2Fcontainers%2FBundle%2FApplication%2F70DC1C4A-9BD0-46F3-8824-3AE8808A3BE5%2FMyJoyOnline.app%2F&theme=light&widgetsVersion=0a8eea3%3A1643743420422&width=550pxhttps://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-7&features=e30%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1493863423981068289&lang=en&origin=file%3A%2F%2F%2Fprivate%2Fvar%2Fcontainers%2FBundle%2FApplication%2F70DC1C4A-9BD0-46F3-8824-3AE8808A3BE5%2FMyJoyOnline.app%2F&theme=light&widgetsVersion=0a8eea3%3A1643743420422&width=550pxhttps://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-8&features=e30%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1493861483658240000&lang=en&origin=file%3A%2F%2F%2Fprivate%2Fvar%2Fcontainers%2FBundle%2FApplication%2F70DC1C4A-9BD0-46F3-8824-3AE8808A3BE5%2FMyJoyOnline.app%2F&theme=light&widgetsVersion=0a8eea3%3A1643743420422&width=550pxhttps://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-9&features=e30%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1493875434928418818&lang=en&origin=file%3A%2F%2F%2Fprivate%2Fvar%2Fcontainers%2FBundle%2FApplication%2F70DC1C4A-9BD0-46F3-8824-3AE8808A3BE5%2FMyJoyOnline.app%2F&theme=light&widgetsVersion=0a8eea3%3A1643743420422&width=550pxhttps://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-10&features=e30%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1493875244574068739&lang=en&origin=file%3A%2F%2F%2Fprivate%2Fvar%2Fcontainers%2FBundle%2FApplication%2F70DC1C4A-9BD0-46F3-8824-3AE8808A3BE5%2FMyJoyOnline.app%2F&theme=light&widgetsVersion=0a8eea3%3A1643743420422&width=550pxhttps://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-11&features=e30%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1493875021990797312&lang=en&origin=file%3A%2F%2F%2Fprivate%2Fvar%2Fcontainers%2FBundle%2FApplication%2F70DC1C4A-9BD0-46F3-8824-3AE8808A3BE5%2FMyJoyOnline.app%2F&theme=light&widgetsVersion=0a8eea3%3A1643743420422&width=550pxhttps://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-12&features=e30%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1493872815174557698&lang=en&origin=file%3A%2F%2F%2Fprivate%2Fvar%2Fcontainers%2FBundle%2FApplication%2F70DC1C4A-9BD0-46F3-8824-3AE8808A3BE5%2FMyJoyOnline.app%2F&theme=light&widgetsVersion=0a8eea3%3A1643743420422&width=550pxhttps://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-13&features=e30%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1493871253668646915&lang=en&origin=file%3A%2F%2F%2Fprivate%2Fvar%2Fcontainers%2FBundle%2FApplication%2F70DC1C4A-9BD0-46F3-8824-3AE8808A3BE5%2FMyJoyOnline.app%2F&theme=light&widgetsVersion=0a8eea3%3A1643743420422&width=550pxhttps://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-14&features=e30%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1493871488511975424&lang=en&origin=file%3A%2F%2F%2Fprivate%2Fvar%2Fcontainers%2FBundle%2FApplication%2F70DC1C4A-9BD0-46F3-8824-3AE8808A3BE5%2FMyJoyOnline.app%2F&theme=light&widgetsVersion=0a8eea3%3A1643743420422&width=550pxhttps://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-15&features=e30%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1493878891546562560&lang=en&origin=file%3A%2F%2F%2Fprivate%2Fvar%2Fcontainers%2FBundle%2FApplication%2F70DC1C4A-9BD0-46F3-8824-3AE8808A3BE5%2FMyJoyOnline.app%2F&partner=tweetdeck&theme=light&widgetsVersion=0a8eea3%3A1643743420422&width=550pxhttps://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-16&features=e30%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1493881652292030464&lang=en&origi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The Ghana cedi has depreciated by 4.70% to the US dollar with only 45 days into the year, as pressure mounts on the local currency.

This ranks it the second worst performing currency in Africa, among 15 top performing currencies.

The Zambian kwacha which was one of the top performing currencies in Africa in 2021, surprisingly, is the worst so far this year. It has declined in value by 11.29% to the dollar.

Analysts have attributed the cedi’s problem to upside risks to the economy including high debt and interest payments, inadequate revenue and rising expenditure.

This has led to selling pressures by investors in Ghana’s international bonds and the lack of access to the international capital markets

To this end, credit rating agencies, Moody’s and Fitch reviewed Ghana’s credit worthiness downwards. 

The revised credit rating has however complicated Ghana’s capacity to borrow from the international bond market, whilst paying higher interest or premium on existing bonds to investors.

Cedi depreciation conditions in quarter 4 to persist till June 2022

The conditions that triggered the persistent depreciation of the cedi during the latter part of last year is expected to  persist till the end of the first half of 2022, Databank Research has projected.

The local currency, it said, remains vulnerable to foreign portfolio outflows amidst the elevated import demand.

The heightened uncertainty around Ghana’s fiscal outlook worsened the local currency’s woes in the latter part of 2021.

“We expect these conditions to persist in first-half of 2022 in addition to corporate import demand as Ghana’s economy rebounds”, it said.

Again, the low prospect of an early-2022 Treasury issuance on the international capital market also exposes the cedi to depreciation pressure in the first half of this year.

AFRICA TOP PERFORMING CURRENCIES CURRENCYYEAR-TO-DATE PERFORMANCE RANKINGSouth African rand4.56%1^stNamibian dollar4.49%2^ndBotswana pula1.76%3^rdUganda shilling0.84%4^thEgypt Pound0.02%5^thCoted’lvoire CFA0.00%5^thMalawi kwacha0.00%5^thTunisia dinar0.07%8^thTanzania shilling-0.01%9^thKenya shilling-0.43%10^thMauritius rupee-0.43%10^thNigerian naira-0.82%12^thMorocco dirham-1.18%13^thGhana cedi-4.70%14^thZambian kwacha-11.29%15%

The immediate aftermath of the explosion at Bogoso-Appeatse, saw another reactive response by the Government and Minerals Commission.

Ghana has experienced multiple deadly environmental disasters within the petroleum and mining industries over the last decade, yet, no substantial changes have been reported or enforced. It appears that the immediate reactions fizzles out returning to business as usual once the media gaze turns away, leaving the victims and habitants in no better position.

It is imperative to identify and assess the root causes to enable the implementation of appropriate remedial measures that will help improve the situation and also to assist in better responding to future recurrence.

This article explores the legal and environmental health and safety (EHS) issues in this incident whilst drawing comparisons to previous incidents locally and globally to aid the understanding and enhance the knowledge of readers. It will also further highlight on why ‘Good EHS practice is good business thereby increasing profitability of businesses’

The Mineral and Mining Regulations (Explosives) 2012, provides five key requirements for the transportation of mining explosives. Being:

·         The use of an authorised vehicle approved by the Chief Inspector of Mines for the transportation of explosives;

·         Requirement for a police escort during transportation;

·         For a blastman to be onboard of the vehicle;

·         Training of employees; and

·         The explosives compartment on the vehicle is enclosed and protected with non-inflammable materials

There has been a number of alleged accounts on the incident and victim blaming, including claims of a head of collision of the explosives vehicle with a motorist. It is unclear whether the motorist was in breach of road usage rules. Aside the Minerals and Mining Regulation, there was a clear breach of road usage rules. The causal disregard for rules is damaging to our lives and in some instances, fatal. Industrial vehicles are overloaded on our roads with no sense of safety relating to the products being transported. A few concerns worth soliciting public views are as follows;

1. Should such hazardous activity of transporting explosives be reviewed so that such heavy duty vehicles do not ply routes in densely populated areas?
2. Could there be a law that could regulate the travel times of such heavy duty vehicles carrying dangerous goods?
3. How has the DVLA or Police responded to this incident?

The transportation of several dangerous goods including like fuels and most recently explosives, have posed several dangerous accidents in the country and it brings to question whether we have the ability of learning from past events in a bid to shape the future. 

With an increased awareness on green consciousness and safety, the global efforts and impact goes far beyond climate change summits. Jurisdictions are moving towards issuing of Green Sanctions and consumers want to see producers take safety and environmental protection seriously. If Ghana truly wants to maintain and grow its reputation as a destination for tourism and businesses, then it will need step-up its position on environment, health and safety management.

Another important question worth asking is whether the government can also be relied on to appoint and guarantee an independent investigation team to investigate the incident and also ensure that root causes identified and its enhanced controls are fully implemented?

Perhaps it is time for Ghana to have an independent Health and Safety Regulator with the power and legal backing to regulate and supervise companies large or small, and, hold people and companies to account under public law. Companies may wish to revise their Corporate Governance Policy and Corporate Social Responsibility to help them measure its benefits not only to the well-being of its employees, but review how it translates into revenues, enhances reputation and competition within their respective industries.

Business owners and employees could benefit from three key reasons why it is important to prioritize environment health and safety (EHS) within the entire value chain of any establishment.

• Financial/Economic Reasons

Besides reducing costs, effective environment health and safety management promotes business efficiency. Thousands of work-related accidents, resulting in more than three days off work are reported to the Health and Safety Authority each year. Work-related diseases and ill-health are more difficult to measure due to their long latency period but result in excess of one million days lost at work each year. These accident and ill-health cases are due to failures and deficiencies in the occupational safety and health management in organisations.

When employers create proactive systems at theirworkplaces, costs to be incurred to pay for health insurance as a result of staff ill-health and injuries would be reduced and these could be savings for the company.

• Legal Reasons

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (the 2005 Act) requires all duty holders to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare of workers and members of the public and to manage and conduct all work activities in such a way as to ensure their safety, health and welfare. This requires all who have this legal responsibility to be proactive in managing their safety, health and welfare responsibilities and deal with them in a systematic way. This section should help organisations to improve their safety and health performance by providing advice on how safety and health should be managed, and in the process help them to comply with their legal requirements.

Employers will be free of sanctions and fines should they prioritize EHS in their value chain. Imagine what Maxam Ghana Limited could do with $6million should they have been more cautious. It goes without saying that if you think, safety practice is expensive, try accidents.

• Moral and Ethical Reasons

The proactive management of safety and health in the workplace helps organisations prevent injuries and ill-health at work. Employers could boast of enviable track record of employee safety and business continuity when less accidents and ill-health are reported. Imagine working for a whole year without any accidents or injuries? Employers and employees would be excited and productivity would increase which will eventually translate into better conditions of service, reduction in staff turnover rates just to mention a few. It will even help improve the brand image of the business.

Going forward, we cannot continue to do things the same way and expect different results. The government, must, as a matter of urgency, consider the passage of the Occupational health and safety bill into law so the Minister overseeing the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations could have the legal basis to set up the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) as stated in the OSH Bill currently before parliament.

‘The DOSH if established is to secure the safety, health, protection and welfare of persons at work, employers and protecting others, including the general public against risks and hazards emanating from or in connection to, the activities of persons at work and to provide for related matters’  

DOSH will be mandated to promote safety, health protection and welfare of persons at work and the general public. The department among other things would be responsible for;

1. Implementing national occupational safety and health policies and programmes towards the promotion and enforcement of occupational safety and health standards in the country.
2. Ensuring occupational safety and health practices in the country remain relevant, current and in line with international best practices and that policy decisions are reflected in programmes and initiatives.
3. Ensuring there is synergy and collaboration between institutions with responsibilities and duties related to occupational safety and health.
4. Reviewing the safety and health performance, promoting safety and health culture in different economic sectors, offer direction and guidance on safety and health to enterprises, institutions and service providers through training and education.

In conclusion, based on the points enumerated above, are we going to sit and fold our arms for another disaster to wreck an entire community of human lives and property?

Or have we learnt enough lessons from June 3^rd flood disaster and Appeatse explosion to do better?

Would the passage of the bill guarantee an increase in foreign direct investments in a bid to open up our economy and provide jobs for the many unemployed?

Would we as a country be responsible enough to prioritize the health and safety of her people and ensure such disasters do not happen again?

The choice is ours!!!

Total, Shell (Vivo), Sel and Puma presently sell the highest-priced fuel in the downstream petroleum industry.

According to the Institute for Energy Security, Benab Oil, Goodness Oil, Star Oil, Zen Petroleum, and Reliance were OMCs with the least-priced fuel on the local market.

This follows about 7% increase in price of petroleum products.

In the first pricing window of February 2022, prices of fuel at local pumps increased significantly, rising above the ¢7.00 per litre mark for all major Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), as predicted by the IEA. The increment was driven by rising international oil market prices, and the re-introduction of the Price Stabilization and Recovery Levy (PSRL) in the petroleum price build-up (PBU).

Within the period under review, prices of petrol and diesel rose on average by 5.15% and 6.08% respectively, thus bringing the national average price for petrol and diesel to ¢7.34 per litre and Gh¢7.36 per litre respectively.

Fuel prices to go up by 4%.

Meanwhile, Fuel prices are expected to go up by a little above 4.0% from Wednesday, 16^thFebruary, 2022, the IES forecast.

“For the rest of February 2022, the Institute for Energy Security (IES) anticipates another jump in the prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), diesel, and petrol at the pump to bite consumers, coming on the back of a 4.47% increase in the price of Brent crude, a 4.63% rise in LPG price, a 7.17% increase in the price of petrol, and a 7.43% jump in diesel; “all on the international oil and fuel markets, it said in its latest assessment of crude oil pricing.

It said further depreciation of the cedi against the US dollar adds on to the factors expected to push up the prices of liquid and gaseous fuels in the country.

World Oil Market

The price of international benchmark Brent rose within the period, pushing prices to an average of US$91.06 per barrel, representing an increment of 4.47 percent from the previous window’s average price of US$87.16 per barrel.

Adankwaman Senior High School is situated at Assin Darmang in the Assin South District. The school is about 600m from the main highway that leads from Cape Coast to Assin Foso.

Mission

To provide relevant quality education and training which will enable students to acquire the knowledge, skills and good  morals, develop their potentials and facilitate poverty reduction in their localities.
 

Vision

To be a model school, with high academic excellence through effective teaching and learning, and efficient management of human, material and financial resources to boost academic performance, increase enrollment and add to its assets.

Earlier yesterday by 10am , teachers and other staff members were on campus to sweep yo awaits and welcome the students back on campus and the newly coming ones. This is not down by any other SHS I’m Ghana. Adankwaman senior high school is a category B school lacking a lot of infrastructural and other amenities that will help and improve the students both academically and physically.

The World Bank Vice President for Africa in charge of Western and Central Africa, Ousmane Diagana, says his outfit will work with the government to identify risks that has the potential of undermining the country’s high growth rate and successes chalked so far.

Briefing the press after arriving in the country for a two days visit, Mr. Diagana said the impressive growth rate must be sustained, but more importantly equitably distributed.

On what he makes of the recent credit rating of Ghana by ratings agencies, Moody’s, Fitch and Standards and Poor’s, he declined to comment about the implication of the ratings, but said “the practice of the World Bank is not in charge of defining the developmental goals of countries.”

“There are sovereign responsibilities and sovereign decision for that; so Ghana is absolutely responsible for defining its own policies, putting in place and finding the best way actually to mobilise resources in order to implement its vision and policies”, he pointed out.

Continuing, Mr. Daigana said the World Bank is not part of the rating agencies work, adding “for many years, we have supported Ghana in a number of sectors. Of course the economic conditions has not been all that rosy, but today when you look at the economic trajectory of Ghana, I think there is a reason to praise the government. In our advisory role, this performance, this accomplishment must be sustained”.

“Once you have make progress you [sovereign nation] need to sustain it. How to get there, there are a number of things we [World Bank] can do; we have analytical programmes we work on, but we do also have technical assistance programme that we put in place and special investments programme”, he stressed.

“I think we should mitigate and address the challenges, create a condition for Ghana to continue to develop and create better resources for its people”, he asserted.

World Bank to work with Ghana to properly utilize resources

Mr. Diagana also said that the World Bank will work with Ghana to ensure resources provided to the country are well utilized. For instance, the World Bank Group will support Ghana’s budget with $4 billion in the next four years.

He said “so for us we are a development institution….that is key. We’ll provide platforms for advising and mobilisation of funds in a timely manner for speedy implementation of programmes”.

He further said the World Bank will continue to implement reforms that will allow the country to generate revenue to become independent vis-à-vis of any financial organisation including those monitoring the implementation and therefore the ratings of the country’s policy.

“Those reforms are critical in creating a business environment to allow the private sector to thrive. For me, what is really important is the country manage its development goals to produce development outcome that contribute to changing the living conditions and making those conditions better.”

Currency outside banks dropped significantly in the last quarter of last year, signaling low money in circulation during the period, the Summary of Economic and Financial Data of the Bank of Ghana has revealed.

This may have affected aggregate supply and demand during the last quarter of 2021 and subsequently the rate of economic growth.

According to the data, currency outside banks grew by 10.3%, 1.1% and 4.4% in October 2021, November 2021 and December 2021 respectively.

It begun the year with a growth of 46.3% in January 2021, but fell to 25.2% in June 2021. 

It further went down to 20% in July 2021 and subsequently in August (18.3%) and September (14.7%).

The numbers for the last quarter of 2020 when the Presidential elections took place were no different from the first four months of 2021. 

The reduction in money supply could slow the country’s post covid-19 economic recovery programme. 

However, the release of the 2021 Gross Domestic Product by the Ghana Statistical Service later in the year will determine whether this was a true reflection of the 4th quarter figures.

In most part of last year, government struggled to borrow from the treasury market, as quiet a number of T-Bills sale were undersubscribed. This was as a result of liquidity tightening on the interbank market.

Growth of demand deposits, usually current and call accounts also witnessed a decline in the last four months of this year. It grew by 16.5%, 19.4%, 19.6% and 19.4% in September 2021, October 2021, November 2021 and December 2021 respectively.

This is compared with 36.0%, 28.0%, 28.3%, 22.0%, 20.6% and 25.2% in January 2021, February 2021, March 2021, June, 2021, July 2021 and August I2021 respectively.

Importantly, banks prioritized demand deposits because it comes with virtually no cost. It rather support profitability of the financial institutions.

For Savings & Time Deposits, it also witnessed significant decline in growth in the last quarter of last year.

ctresses Yvonne Nelson and Shatta Michy are fortunate to be still alive and kicking after having experienced food poisoning some time back. 

Sharing her experience on Adom TV‘s weekend entertainment show Ahosepe Xtra with Black I, Miss Nelson recounted how she came face-to-face with death.

She narrated that it happened at an undisclosed restaurant where she grabbed a meal with a colleague.

After what she said was a lovely time, the actress said she returned home only to be knocked out by excruciating pain in her stomach.

“I thought I was going to die. I was in pain, and I remember crawling on the floor. It was that bad,” she revealed.

However, she was quick to add that to date; she is uncertain if it was a deliberate attempt or simply a bad combination of food that led to the reaction.

“I don’t know what happened on that day, but I remember calling my colleague to ask if she is also having that same problem because, with mine, I thought I was going to die but lo and behold, I am still here,” she said.

Similarly, songstress turned actress, Michy also disclosed that she has suffered from food poisoning.

Michy’s love for street food, particularly grilled tilapia, almost caused her to lose her life.

After devouring the meal, she said she began feeling funny, and her experience was also “that bad”.

She, however, pleaded to keep some details a secret since it is an experience she is struggling to forget.

Mobile money transactions for last year significantly outstripped cheque transactions by a massive ¢770.4 billion, the Summary of Economic and Financial Data from the Bank of Ghana has revealed.

This is compared to ¢522.9 billion recorded in the eight months of 2021.

Per the data, mobile money continued to remain the biggest payment solution in the country with an estimated ¢905.1 billion transactions recorded in 2021.

Total cheque transactions however stood at ¢134.7 billion during the period.

This indicates that many customers, particularly retail consumers, now prefer mobile money as the easiest form of banking transactions because of its accessibility and reliability.

Significantly, mobile money transactions in 2021 shot up significantly, compared to the previous year. The month with the biggest transaction was July 2021 in which ¢99 billion was recorded.

According to the data from the Bank of Ghana, the value of mobile money transactions in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December 2021 were estimated at ¢67.1 billion, ¢67.9 billion, ¢82.3 billion, ¢83.8 billion, ¢86.5 billion, ¢89.1 billion, ¢99.1 billion, ¢81.8 billion, ¢71 billion, ¢80.0 billion, ¢86.1 billion and ¢82.9 billion respectively.

On the other hand, cheque transactions in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December 2021 were estimated at ¢17.0 billion, ¢15.5 billion, ¢18.3 billion, ¢17.5 billion, ¢15.7 billion, ¢17.9 billion, ¢16.4 billion, ¢16.4 billion, ¢15.6 billion, ¢16.2 billion, ¢18.5 billion and ¢18.9 billion respectively.

Increasingly, mobile money transactions continue to relegate cheque transactions to the background with many consumers now preferring to walk to a mobile money vendor to deposit or transfer money.

Banks will therefore have to dig deep to innovative and come out with solutions similar to that of mobile money or if they have enhance its in order to compete.

Alternatively, they could partner the telecom firms to take advantage of the fast growing market. Already, the Bank of Ghana has been piloting its digital currency – the e-Cedi, a move which is expected to be launched soon to boost the cash lite agenda.

Fuel prices are expected to go up by 25 pesewas per litre from February 1, if the suspended Price Stabilisation and Recovery Levies (PSRL) is reintroduced, the Institute of Energy Security (IES) has disclosed.

This is a result of an 8.52% increase in the price of Brent crude and a marginal depreciation of the cedi to the US dollar during the last two weeks.

“Over the next two weeks, the Institute for Energy Security (IES) foresees the prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), diesel, and petrol recording yet another jump at the pump, despite a suspension of the Price Stabilisation and Recovery Levy (PSRL)”.

“The pending increases come on the back of an 8.52% increase in the price of Brent crude, a 5.5% rise in LPG price, a 6.23% increase in price of gasoline, and 9.86% jump in gasoil price; all on the international oil and fuel markets. 

“Further depreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar on the foreign exchange (forex) market adds on to the factors that will push up the prices of the commodities on the local market”, it explained.

Furthermore, it said, “the impending price increases could see all the major Oil Marketing Companies crossing the ¢7 per litre mark for gasoil and gasoline, moving the price increases for both products over the past six months beyond the 16 percentage mark recorded at the end of January 2022″.

Total, Puma sell highest fuel price

During the last pricing window, some OMCs, including Puma Energy, Ready, Total, EV, were spotted selling diesel above ¢7.00 per litre for the first time.

Benab Oil, Dukes Oil, Star Oil, Reliance, Goodness Oil and Westport were the OMCs with the least-priced fuel on the local market.

Over the last two weeks, petrol and diesel prices rose by roughly 3%, from ¢6.70 a litre on average terms at most pumps to reach ¢6.94 per litre. 

The current national average price for petrol is pegged at ¢6.90 per litre, while diesel stands at ¢6.98.

Meanwhile, crude oil traded at over $90 per barrel this morning, a situation that could trigger an increase in transport fares soon.

Expenditure for household in urban areas shot up by more than 12 per week, as a result of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is part of findings by the Ghana Statistical Service 3rd Wave Household and Job Tracker Survey which is aimed at highlighting the plight of households after the effect of COVID-19 pandemic. 

The survey which focused on expenditure of Covid-19 related activities indicated that urban communities especially in the coastal belt spent at least ¢12 more every week on Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) during the peak of the pandemic.

“The median expenditure on PPEs (masks, sanitisers, face shields, etc.) per household on the seven days before the interviews was ¢12.0 and the mean expenditure ¢22.0. Median expenditure is slightly higher in urban areas (¢14) than in rural areas (¢10.3). Of the zones both the median (¢15) and mean (¢25.3) expenditure was the highest in the coastal zone” 

Meanwhile, 4.2% of households who got income from pension saw the smallest change of their income source. 76.7% reported no change in pension income, 13.0% a reduction and 10.3% an increase

Deputy Government Statistician, Dr. Faustina Frempong said the survey is critical to the development of the economy post COVID-19 recovery.

The report further revealed that many Ghanaian’s have still not tested for the virus due to the fear of stigmatization.

Expenditure for household in urban areas shot up by more than 12 per week, as a result of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is part of findings by the Ghana Statistical Service 3rd Wave Household and Job Tracker Survey which is aimed at highlighting the plight of households after the effect of COVID-19 pandemic. 

The survey which focused on expenditure of Covid-19 related activities indicated that urban communities especially in the coastal belt spent at least ¢12 more every week on Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) during the peak of the pandemic.

“The median expenditure on PPEs (masks, sanitisers, face shields, etc.) per household on the seven days before the interviews was ¢12.0 and the mean expenditure ¢22.0. Median expenditure is slightly higher in urban areas (¢14) than in rural areas (¢10.3). Of the zones both the median (¢15) and mean (¢25.3) expenditure was the highest in the coastal zone” 

Meanwhile, 4.2% of households who got income from pension saw the smallest change of their income source. 76.7% reported no change in pension income, 13.0% a reduction and 10.3% an increase

Deputy Government Statistician, Dr. Faustina Frempong said the survey is critical to the development of the economy post COVID-19 recovery.

The report further revealed that many Ghanaian’s have still not tested for the virus due to the fear of stigmatization.

The government has launched a fund to support victims of last week’s explosion at Apeatse near Bogoso in the Western Region.

The support scheme dubbed, ‘Apeatse Support Fund’ is expected to among other things, cater for the immediate needs of the people and the reconstruction of the community.

Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor launched the support scheme earlier today at the Ministry.

“Ghanaians have always been known to be hospitable and compassionate and we cannot ignore our own people who fell victim to this unfortunate incident. Ladies and Gentlemen, on the instructions of the President of the Republic, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has decided to launch the ‘Apeatse Support Fund’ to raise funds from the general public to among others, support the victims of this unfortunate incident and to reconstruct the community which was brought down by the explosion,” he said.

Launching the scheme, the Minister announced the constitution of a Five-member Committee. 

“Ladies and gentlemen to ensure fair, transparent and judicious use of the funds, Government has decided to appoint a Five-member Committee to manage the fund. The Committee will be chaired by Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee,” the Minister announced.

Other members of the Committee include; Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, Omanhene of the Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area, Managing Director of CalBank, Philip Owiredu, Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, Dr. Antoinette Tsiboe-Darko and Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr. Sulemana Koney.

The Committee is expected to raise funds for the scheme and also to supervise the judicious use of the funds for the sole benefit of the people of Apeatse.

Currently, the government is putting up some structures and tents in Apeatse to accommodate the over 900 displaced victims.

Meanwhile, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Prestea Huni-Valley, Isaac Dasmani said work on the project is 80% complete.

“If you look at the work that they’ve done, they have done about 80% and I’m sure by tomorrow we will get the rest done. We will make sure latest by Wednesday, maybe we will move them here. We have put all the tents, we have a big structure here that contains all the victims. We have provided a washroom around here and we are also going to put up some shed here where they can cook and some extra more shed. It’s better they move in here, you identify some of the minor challenges and we deal with them later,” he said.