Category: General

Two Catholic Priests of the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese were on Tuesday laid to rest at the clergy cemetery at St Mary’s Minor Seminary at Apowa in the Western Region.

Reverend Fr. Anthony Justice Englyshe who was 61, died on March 21, 2024, after a protracted illness, while very Reverend Fr Samuel Ebuley Afful, 69 and a priest at St Peter’s Parish Shama, died through a fatal motor accident on the Tarkwa-Bogoso road on Tuesday April 9, 2024.

The late Fr. Afful was traveling with four other classmates to Enchi for their Annual classmate’s reunion where he met his sudden death.

The other classmates are Most Reverend Joseph Kwaku Afrifa-Agyekum, Bishop of Koforidua, very Rev. Fr. Francis Albert Amakye and Very Rev. Fr. Philip Tandoh.

Hundreds of mourners from all social classes thronged the Star of the Sea Cathedral in Takoradi to pay their last respect to the two priests who distinguished themselves in the service of God and humanity.

Among the mourners were seven bishops led by Bishop John Baptist Attakruh,
the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese Bishop.

Hundreds of Catholic priests including the president of the Sekondi Takoradi Diocesan Priests, Fr. Emmanuel Dolphyne,Very Rev Fr. Francis Lemaire Vicar General of the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese.

Also among the mourners were politicians, traditional rulers, catholic societies and the lay faithful across the catholic church of Ghana.

Fr Anthony Justice Englyshe was born September 22,1963 at Nawule. He was ordained a priest for the catholic diocese of Sekondi-Takoradi on July 16,1994.

He started his seminary formation at St Teresa’s Minor Seminary at Amisano and entered St Peter’s Regional Seminary at Pedu to pursue his philosophical and theological studies.

After his theological studies, he was ordained deacon in 1993 at Austria and ordained priest at Our Lady Star of the Sea Cathedral in 1994.

Fr Anthony Justice Englyshe served the catholic church for 32years but was active for 10years and experienced sickness for 22years.

Born on November 13,1955 at Beyin, very Rev. F
r. Samuel Ebuley Afful was ordained a priest on July 10,1983.

He started his catholic formation as a mission boy to Fr Barker, where he felt his call to pursue priestly vocation.

He served as a Diocesan Chaplain of the knights of Marshall from 2015 till his sudden death.

On January 15, 2018, he was appointed as the Parochial Administrator of Our Lady of Assumption Parish, Shama, a role he played faithfully till his demise.

Very Reverend Fr Samuel Ebuley Afful, was instrumental in the celebration of the 550th Anniversary Celebration of the planting of Cross on the shores of Shama by the Portuguese in 1471.

Several tributes captured, described the two priests as dedicated, faithful. Loyal and served the people of God sincerely with zeal and love.

In a homily, Very Rev. Monsignor James Margaret Mesu

The solemn ceremony was officiated by Most Reverend John Baptist Attakruh, Bishop of the Sekondi-Takoradi Diocese in a sermon asked catholic faithful to continue to pray for the repose of the souls of the two
late priests.

He urged all to live lives that would be pleasing God and be faithful in all their dealings.

Source: Ghana News Agency

General Lance Corporal Solomon Tetteh of the Central Regional Police Patrol Team was killed on Monday when a vehicle collided with the police car, he and his colleagues were in.

The deceased, General Corporal Michael Darasam, and General Constable Nashiru Musah all sustained injuries after falling from the vehicle.

They were rushed to the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital for treatment, but Tetteh died.

According to a police report, the suspect driver fled the scene of the accident and is currently being sought.

The report said on Monday, April 22, 2024, at about 1145 hours, the Police in Ojobi received information regarding an accident involving four vehicles at Akotsi Junction.

Following the information, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Samuel Asante, District Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department, and his officers went to the location to investigate.

The investigation revealed that a KIA Rhino truck with the trading number GX4135-20 coming from Akraman to Ojobi collided wi
th a Nissan Navara pickup with the registration number GT3174 Z at the Akotsi intersection on the main Kasoa-Winneba highway.

The KIA truck driver drove about 30 meters into the Akotsi-Ojobi road and collided with another Nissan Urvan bus before crashing into the Regional Operation Patrol team vehicle that was carrying a seven-man squad.

The suspect driver then dragged the Police Service vehicle with the registration number GP 483 over 22 metres before entering a nearby metal container, where the three police officers fell off.

The vehicles involved in the accident have been impounded for investigation, testing, and subsequent action.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mr. Alex Asanvo, the Executive Secretary for Cote d’Ivoire Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CGCI), says Global Cocoa Marketing Companies have refused to pay realistic prices for farmers and producers.

He questioned why buyers of the commodity have over the years failed to truly live up to their billing by paying actual prevailing prices often quoted by global news cables.

The Executive Secretary was speaking at the ongoing World Cocoa Conference in Brussels in a panel discussion on the topic: ‘The quest for the living income of smallholder farmers: why are we stuck and how can we fix it.?’

He said the Global Cocoa buyers had always exploited the market to their benefit, a development he believed always left farmers and producing countries at the bottom of an inequitable trade regime.

He said amid the increasing prices of Cocoa on the Global Market, farmers, and civil society groups in producing countries are making a strong demand on buyers to apply the 10,000 dollars as the basis for payment to reflect current tr
ends.

The demand, in the view of Mr Asanvo, was putting pressure on governments in terms of domestic pricing, which is not reflected in the market.

‘Today, all the global news cables are quoting $10,000 dollars as price for Cocoa on the international markets; this has put pressure on governments of producing countries as farmers and civil society groups push for local prices to be set at prevailing figures on the international markets,’ he added.

Mr Asanvo said there were excessive demands from buyers on producing countries without commensurate actions from the market players themselves, stressing that there was a lack of trust, consistency, and stability in all facets of arrangements amongst the various key stakeholders in the Global Cocoa value chain.

He said this had over the years impinged effective implementation of policies and programmes, including the Living Income Differentials (LID) for the benefit of farmers.

The Executive Secretary said more needed to be done to actualize an ideal compensatio
n for the toil and sweat of farmers.

He emphasized the question of whether the LID had failed its intended purpose or not, saying despite the criticisms, the circumvention and the weaknesses encountered as a result of origin differential downsides, the policy had still survived and continues to target a floor price to enable farmers to get a living income.

According to Mr Asanvo, to engender trust, there was the need for accountability and transparency from all stakeholders, arguing that this was being done by producing countries through the constant publication of the average achieved forward sale price and building a traceability system where not only volumes but prices would be traced.

He contended that like producing countries, the companies also be more accountable and transparent.

The Executive Secretary advocated for consistency on issues of sustainability, stressing that living income should be mainstreamed across the sustainability regulations of exporting and importing countries.

According to h
im, sustainability voluntary programmes should reward farmers with a living income or living income price, since the issue of sustainable cocoa cannot be attained without paying farmers a living income.

Mr Asanvo advocated stable and predictable market forces to help shape expectations towards an ambitious plan that guarantees a living income for farmers.

He said, ‘producing need a predictable floor price, with a dedicated mechanism to deliver it irrespective of terminal market prices since history showed that commodity markets were prone to price falls as sudden as price rises and sadly for farmers, falls were way longer than rises.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) says it has opened a special window for taxpayers to rectify their records and report undisclosed incomes.

This according to the GRA was to facilitate easier declaration and payment of taxes for resident individuals.

‘All eligible individuals are strongly encouraged to utilise this opportunity to regularise their tax affairs,’ GRA said in a press statement.

The revenue mobilisation authority said it has noted some concerns raised by citizens on the tax status of individuals who earn incomes abroad and whether they are deemed by the tax laws as ‘resident individuals’ for tax purposes.

It indicated that the legal definition of a resident individual for tax purposes is grounded in the Income Tax Act 2015 (Act 896), Sections 3 (2) (a), 103, and 111.

GRA explained that based on the law, individuals considered resident for tax purposes include citizens with a permanent home in Ghana residing in the country throughout the year as well as those present in Ghana for at least 183
days in any 12-month period that begins or ends within the year.

It also said that it included resident individuals include government employees or officials posted abroad and citizens temporarily absent from Ghana for not more than 365 continuous days who maintain a permanent home in Ghana, the statement clarified.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Former President John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has sent a goodwill message to the National Chief Imam Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, who turned 105 years on Tuesday.

The NDC Flagbearer, in the goodwill message to the National Chief Imam, said:

‘Dear National Chief Imam, on this special day, I join the entire nation in celebrating your 105th birthday.

‘Your leadership and guidance have been a source of strength and inspiration for all of us. Your wisdom, compassion, and unwavering commitment to peace and unity have profoundly impacted our society.’

Mr Mahama said the National Chief Imam’s message of tolerance, understanding, and respect for all faiths would continue to be a guiding light for our nation.

‘We pray to Allah for your good health, happiness, and continued strength. Happy birthday.’

Source: Ghana News Agency

General Lance Corporal Solomon Tetteh of the Central Regional Police Patrol Team was killed on Monday when a vehicle collided with the police car, he and his colleagues were in.

The deceased, General Corporal Michael Darasam, and General Constable Nashiru Musah all sustained injuries after falling from the vehicle.

They were rushed to the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital for treatment, but Tetteh died.

According to a police report, the suspect driver fled the scene of the accident and is currently being sought.

The report said on Monday, April 22, 2024, at about 1145 hours, the Police in Ojobi received information regarding an accident involving four vehicles at Akotsi Junction.

Following the information, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Samuel Asante, District Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department, and his officers went to the location to investigate.

The investigation revealed that a KIA Rhino truck with the trading number GX4135-20 coming from Akraman to Ojobi collided wi
th a Nissan Navara pickup with the registration number GT3174 Z at the Akotsi intersection on the main Kasoa-Winneba highway.

The KIA truck driver drove about 30 meters into the Akotsi-Ojobi road and collided with another Nissan Urvan bus before crashing into the Regional Operation Patrol team vehicle that was carrying a seven-man squad.

The suspect driver then dragged the Police Service vehicle with the registration number GP 483 over 22 metres before entering a nearby metal container, where the three police officers fell off.

The vehicles involved in the accident have been impounded for investigation, testing, and subsequent action.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Dr Francis Baah, a former Executive Director of Cocoa Health, and Extension Division (CHED), Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), has testified in an Accra High Court that Chief Executives sign contracts on behalf of the board.

‘From my experience working with two Chief Executives of COCOBOD,?they sign contracts on behalf of the Board, because they have the authority to do so,’ he told the court.

Dr Baah, a subpoenaed witness for Mr Seidu Agongo, a businessman, was answering questions during a cross-examination in the trial involving Dr Stephen Opuni, a former Chief Executive of COCOBOD, led by Mr Samuel Cudjoe.

Dr Opuni and Mr Agongo are facing 27 charges, including defrauding by false pretences, willfully causing financial loss to the State, money laundering, and corruption by a public officer in contravention of the Public Procurement Act.

They have both pleaded not guilty to the charges and are on a GHS300,000.00 self-recognizance bail each.

Dr Baah said the chief executives signed those contracts not necess
arily because they have an in-depth technical expertise of the subject matter.

He stated that the present Chief Executive, Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo, and Dr Opuni would not have signed on behalf of COCOBOD if they did not have the required authority.

‘l can confirm that individuals signed the contracts?on behalf of COCOBOD and it’s the Board who awards those contracts to the suppliers,’ he added?

Dr. Baah stated that he was not aware of the Dr. Yaw Adu Ampomah Committee’s report on the investigation and testing efficacy of lithovit fertilizer, which was presented to the court.

He told the Court that he was unable to speak about the outcome of the Dr. Adu Ampomah Committee’s report on the efficacy of Lithovit.

‘My Lord, l stands by the statement given at EOCO that l have not seen lithovit fertilizer, which they said is powdery rather what l know is liquid,’ he said.?

Dr. Baah confirmed that Lithovit was one of the liquid fertilizers preferred by farmers during his tenure as the head of the CHED.

He said th
e efficacy assessment was based on what farmers told the field team during visits, as evidenced by their field reports.

Mrs Evelyn Keelson, Chief State Attorney, also asked the witness in cross-examination if Dr Ampomah was retired during his time as office manager in the Chief Executive’s Office, but he stated that he (Dr Ampomah) was at post as a Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Agronomy and Quality Control.?

The Counsel disagreed, claiming that Dr Ampomah retired as Deputy Chief Executive in October 2013, but Dr Baah responded, ‘That is not so; I am not too sure of the dates.’

Mrs Keelson asked the witness whether he was aware that when Dr Ampomah retired, the position remained vacant for about six months until Dr Francis Oppong was appointed in March 2014.

Dr Baah stated that he was aware of the gap after Dr Ampomah’s retirement, but he could not confirm the six-month period mentioned by Counsel.

He said he was not aware of any meetings between Dr Amoh and Dr Opuni on the shortening of the testing
period for agrochemicals and fertilizers.

?

‘l stated earlier that I attended meetings at the pleasure of the Chief Executive, and he confirmed that it follows that he did attend all meetings,’ he said.

Dr. Baah stated that he was unaware of Mr Agongo presenting lithovit fertilizer to COCOBOD for subsequent testing by CRIG.

‘I do not know anything about the lithovit fertilizer which was submitted to CRIG for testing,’ he added.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ghana Publishers Association on the occasion of the commemoration of the World Book and Copyright Day has raised concerns on the structure of the school curriculum, saying it does not encourage reading outside the curriculum.

‘The structure of the school curriculum does not encourage the use of books outside the school. Children and students are not encouraged to read books.’

‘The children are not supplied with basic reading materials by the schools and parents are expecting the State to provide books for their children,’ the Association said in a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency.

It called for conscious efforts to improve the quality of life of the citizens by providing direct support for the development of creative and analytical skills through early childhood reading programmes.

The statement noted that books and reading had played key role in the promotion of literacy as a concept for economic, social, and scientific progress, adding that, early reading and quality education were the most
important tools that could alleviate the circumstance that contribute to inequality.

It, therefore, called for the formulation of policy initiatives that would anchor the country’s cultural, social, and economic growth on books and other literary activities.

The policy initiatives, it said, should facilitate the process of creating opportunities for literacy to be a measure of either reducing or eradicating inequalities that were threatening the stability of the country.

The statement said the country’s development could not be achieved without reducing the inequalities that existed among the citizens and communities.

The statement added that countries that had advanced in development had all anchored their enhancements on a literate population.

‘Investments in education, beginning with early childhood reading programmes could translate into viable economic mobility, contribute to increased productivity, and decrease inequality,’ the statement said.

The World Book and Copyright Day is marked on every Ap
ril 23. This year is the 29th year of the celebration of the World Book and Copyright Day.

The Day, set aside by UNESCO, is celebrated to promote the reading of books and other literatures, as well as pay tributes to books and authors and encourage everyone to access books.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Mrs Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Agrihouse Foundation, has urged farmers to consider the pre-planting season as a key factor to the growth of crops in terms of quality and quantity.

Agrihouse Foundation is a non-governmental organization (NGO) working to improve food security and educate farmers on how to use chemicals, machinery and personnel safety measures.

The pre-planting season is for brainstorming by farmers and stakeholders like the Department of Agriculture on new methodologies to improve their farming skills for good yields.

Mrs Akosa made the call at the Ghana Agrochemical Crop Protection Exhibition and Awards intervention to prepare farmers for the pre-planting season at Techiman in the Bono East Region.

The programme aimed at promoting efficiency and innovation in crop protection and good agricultural practices to ensure sustainable bumper harvest in the impending planting season.

Mr James Adu, the Bono East Regional Director of Agriculture, in an interview
with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), lauded Agrihouse Foundation for the activity to make agricultural activities in the region lucrative for the youth.

The exhibition and forum discussions would encourage farmers to use the correct agrochemicals on their farms.

Mr Peter Osei Fosu, the Nkoranza North District Chief Executive, on behalf of Mr Kwasi Adu-Gyan, the Bono East Regional Minister, expressed commitment to working with stakeholders in creating an enabling environment for the agricultural sector to thrive in the region and attract investors.

He lauded the private sector in promoting agriculture saying the Government could not do it alone and urged the participants to share knowledge with their fellow farmers on the best practices and explore the innovative solutions to their challenges.

The programme brought together more than 600 farmers and 21 input dealers from 11 districts and municipalities to showcase their wares and some manufacturing products.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Music sensation Elizha has been nominated Artiste of the Year at the upcoming Ghana Music Awards (GMA) USA.

The singer/songwriter, who had a stellar year under review, grabbed six more nominations, including Female Vocalist of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Song of the Year, Afropop/Afrobeats Artiste of the Year, and Female Artiste of the Year.

The US-based Ghanaian singer excelled with her ‘Bad Love’ single in 2023, which recorded impressive streaming numbers across various digital platforms and made waves globally.

During last year’s GMA USA, Elizha was adjudged the Best Female Vocalist after dropping some groundbreaking hit songs, including ‘RoadTown,’ ‘Lijeje,’ and ‘Police.’

The songstress recently recorded a milestone after featuring award-winning Jamaican producer and artiste, Anthony B, on her new single ‘Sugar,’ which is also making waves.

Source: Ghana News Agency

An Accra High Court hearing the case of Daniel Asiedu aka Sexy Dondon, the man being held over the death of J. B Danquah Adu, a legislator, has been adjourned to April 29.

The matter was adjourned because when Asiedu was brought to court, he told the court that he had not recovered from an illness, and he needed to take his medication at noon.

The trial Judge, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, said the accused person indicated that the said medication was with his doctor, so Prison Officers took him back.

The court, on April 22, 2024, ordered Asiedu to appear today and open his defence in the legislator’s murder trial.

According to the court, it would close the case if the accused person failed to turn up today and open his defence.

Defence counsel had earlier on informed the court that the accused person was unwell hence could not attend court on April 22.

The defence team has also filed a motion praying the court to subpoena some persons before he opens his defence.

The widow of legislator, their house help,
Mr Kenedy Agyepong, and Madam Ursula Owusu- Ekuful, both Members of Parliament, are some of persons the accused person wants to see in Court.

The accused person says the aforementioned people have some vital information to assist the court with.

Asiedu is standing trial for his alleged involvement in the murder of J.B. Danquah Adu at his residence at Shaishie in Accra in February 2016.

He has been charged with robbery and murder of the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa North.

Asiedu has pleaded not guilty before a seven-member jury, and he is being kept in lawful custody by the court.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is advocating for the inclusion of typical Ghanaian foods in the menus of restaurants and eateries to promote local dishes.

The goal is to ignite the passion of citizens to patronise such indigenous Ghanaian meals which are not being cooked or eaten at home.

Mr Akwasi Agyeman, Chief Executive Officer of GTA, who made the appeal, said this would also ensure healthy eating and well-being since most of these foods contained essential nutrients the body required.

He was speaking at the Asanteman Queenmothers’ Day and Food Fair (Feast Ghana event) at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

The event, which sought to promote the consumption of indigenous Ghanaian cuisines forms part of activities marking the 25th anniversary celebration of the enstoolment of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.

It was an assembly of Asante Queens who portrayed the beautiful culture of Asanteman through their dressing and display of assorted traditional cuisines.

All the paramountcies in Asante prepare
d and showcased traditional foods which were not often sold in eateries within and outside of the Ashanti Region.

Among the foods showcased during the colourful event were boiled yam/plantain and kontomire mashed in earthenware bowls, ‘etoo’ (mashed plantain and eggs), fufu and green soup, boiled cocoyam and grounded pepper, groundnut soup with fufu, among others.

Mr. Agyeman said the Authority would continue to elevate Ghana’s local cuisines, culture, and traditions.

The ‘Feast Ghana’ event, he said, was being celebrated under the theme ‘Flavours of Ghana: Celebrating Ghana’s Cultural Diversity Through Food.’

Mr Agyeman said the theme aligned with the GTA’s initiative of ‘See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana, Feel Ghana’ campaign which was launched in 2017.

He said Asantes local food played significant roles in telling the Ghanaian food story.

According to Mr Agyeman, the grand celebration of ‘Feast Ghana’ would be held on May Day in Accra with a spectacular display of Ghanaian cooked meals.

Source: Ghan
a News Agency